Briefing about ocean oil and gas search

An audience of 30 local people gathered in a Woy Woy cafe for a briefing about plans to search for oil and gas off Umina.

The briefing, organised by the Central Coast Futures Forum, was presented by the group Save Our Coast, represented by campaigner Mr Gary Blaschke based on the research of Dr Natasha Deen of Newcastle.

The assembled crowd heard of a federal government licence in train to commence explosive testing techniques to map the ocean as early as next year.

"These techniques have led to large scale fish population decimation and deaths of whales, dolphins and plankton in the oceans" said Mr Blaschke.

Futures Forum convenor Mr Alexander Herget, of Ettalong, asked the question: "How many fish, how many whales and dolphin deaths are 'acceptable', a term used in the licence submission?"

The assemble crowd were then shown a viewing of the Emmy Award winning documentary Sonic Sea.

The documentary presented evidence from around the world's oceans on how the development of ocean-based industries and transport are changing life in the seas.

All local residents were encouraged to investigate the exploration licences terms and conditions and start conversations.

SOURCE:

Media release, 13 Dec 2018

Alexander Herget, Central Coast Future Forum