Bight Petroleum currently has permits to explore for offshore petroleum in an area to the west of the island known as the Kangaroo Island Canyon and Pools, and intend to undertake seismic tests in early 2013 and start drilling in 2014.
The Kangaroo Island Canyons are a critical breeding and feeding area for many threatened, endangered and protected species, and the life force of Kangaroo Island's fishing industry.
There is simply too much at risk.
"The possibility of mining exploration and drilling in the waters off Kangaroo Island present an "all risk no gain" threat to our community and our environment. The health of our natural resources is critical for the ongoing survival and sustainability of our agriculture, our premium food and wine industries, our fisheries, our unique tourism experiences and importantly for the social fabric of the Island community. The environmental heritage that has been protected and fostered by this community since settlement is too precious to lose and I congratulate and thank Penny for supporting the community in our aim to minimise all risk to this extraordinary island."
- Jayne Bates
Mayor, Kangaroo Island Council
The Australian Greens share the deep concerns of the Kangaroo Island community about Bight Petroleum's proposals. The risks of oil and gas exploration and production in this area are unacceptably high. An oil spill in the canyons would devastate marine life and irreparably damage the fishing and tourism industries that so many community members depend upon for their livelihoods.
Kangaroo Island Mayor Jayne Bates described Bight Petroleum's proposal as "all risk and no gain" to the Kangaroo Island community, and we completely agree.
Kangaroo Island is too precious to lose.
