@PRODUCTION

Global Oil Companies are currently proposing to industrialise the Great Australian Bight with an offshore oil and gas industry similarly found off the Western Australian coast and the Bass Strait.  Companies such as BP/Statoil, Chevron, Exxon and Adelaide based Bight Petroleum have all been granted permit areas in Commonwealth waters in the Great Australian Bight.

 

Proponents argue the oil and gas industry will bring jobs, and economic growth.   BP Development Australia’s Managing Director  Claire Fitzpatrick told the recent Senate Inquiry into Oil or Gas Production into the Great Australian Bight that the world continues to need oil and gas, particularly the developing world so it too can enjoy the standards of living closer to our own.   She says its unknown whether the company will find anything in the Great Australian Bight or even it they do whether it will be capable of commercial development.  But she argues already jobs have been created and contracts awarded.

 

Opponents argue Climate Change is the biggest challenge to the economy and further development of new fossil fuel industries is only going to add to this impact.  They fear the potential for environmental damage arguing that industrialising the Great Australian Bight will destroy the billion dollar fishing, agriculture and tourism industries.  They argue the focus for the region should be on developing employment in renewable energy industries.