Tell the Coalition their Gas Plan Stinks
The Dutton Coalition have just announced that if elected they will "approve a bucket load of gas",1 massively expanding the gas industry off our coasts.
This destructive policy includes:
- Pre-approve the gas processing plant Woodside wants to extend to 2070 to service its toxic Burrup Hub - bypassing environmental assessments
- Allow multinationals to continue to export 80 percent of gas drilled in Australia
- Fast-track offshore gas drilling approvals - including potential projects the current government have already rejected
- Release new permits for gas exploration across Australia’s coastlines, including New South Wales and Victoria.
Together let’s make sure Coalition MPs and Senators know they can’t get away with this. Send your email now.
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What is the Coalition proposing to do?
More Offshore Gas Exploration Permits & Fast-Tracking Gas Drilling Approvals
Speeding up approvals for offshore gas drilling, which by default means gutting environmental approvals.
Releasing new permits for gas exploration across Australia’s coastlines.
Special Treatment for Woodside:
The Coalition plans to approve the expansion of the North West Shelf gas processing facility at Karratha, which is critical for processing gas from proposed drilling near Scott Reef. Doing so means bypassing environmental assessments by pre-approving the project.
Reviving PEP11
The terrible PEP11 project proposed off the coast of NSW was rejected by the current Government earlier this year. However the gas companies are appealing that decision – if it is resubmitted to a Dutton Government, it too would be ‘fast-tracked’ for approval.
No Change to the multinationals making billions from exports
80 per cent of gas drilled in Australia is exported overseas. But the Coalition won’t change that arrangement – instead, they want to extract even more gas from new places in Australia.
What are the problems with this policy?
This Coalition gas policy is so bad on many fronts. Not only would it mean the extraction and burning of more dirty fossil fuels like gas, it would also mean a big increase in deafening seismic blasting off our coast, and escalating harm to marine wildlife like whales.This policy also means an extraordinary special deal for Woodside. The Coalition is promising to approve the expansion of Woodside’s North West Shelf gas processing plant, which is meant to go through an environmental assessment process. But they are throwing this process out the window by announcing they would approve the project regardless.
Moreover, the Liberals have no plans to reduce the amount of gas multinationals sell overseas – where 80% of Australian gas currently goes. Instead they want to plunder our oceans for new gas in the middle of a climate crisis.
It’s clear who the Dutton Coalition are prioritising with this terrible policy (hint: it’s not you!).
A “bucket load of gas” will lead to decades of harm. Only wealthy corporations benefit from the Coalition's gas plans – while everyday people pay the price.
What does this mean for Coastal Communities?
Increased Seismic Blasting:
Gas exploration relies on seismic blasting, which uses deafening underwater explosions to locate gas reserves. This harms marine life, including whales, dolphins, and other wildlife that rely on sound for communication and navigation.
Environmental Degradation:
Fast-tracking approvals for more gas means gutting environmental safeguards, putting fragile ecosystems like Scott Reef at risk.
Climate Pollution:
Expanding gas extraction and burning will accelerate climate change, leading to more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and further harm to our oceans.
Multinationals over communities
Given Australia already has enough gas to meet our needs, and the clean alternatives are widely available, this policy only benefits the multinational gas corporations. Governments should protect our environment, not private profits. This policy locks Australia into decades of fossil fuel dependence, harming our climate, oceans, and communities.
1Source: The Australian, "Bucket load of gas for domestic market under Coalition revamp to approvals". 27 February 2025
Tips for writing an impactful email
You can send our pre-filled message, or write your own.
Just remember these 3 things:
1. Keep it polite
We're sharing our important views with the Coalition and we want them to listen to us. Without politeness our message won't be heard, so ask nicely and please keep it respectful.
2. Be clear
We need political leaders to listen to us, so keep your email to 2-3 key points and ensure that politicians understand how strongly you feel about their gas plans.
3. Spell out the risks
Tell them your concerns about:- Propping up Woodside’s plans to drill for gas at Scott Reef
- Releasing more offshore gas exploration permits
- Fast-tracking for offshore gas drilling approvals
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