21st Nov 2012, 4:00 PM – Senate Motions - Seismic Survey - Harm to marine wildlife

The majority disagreed with the motion introduced by Greens Senator Penny Wright, which opposes Bight Petroleum's application to conduct a seismic survey because of its potential to harm marine wildlife.

Wording of the motion

That the Senate—

(a) notes Bight Petroleum's referral of a proposed action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Reference Number: 2012/6583);

(b) recognises the high likelihood of the proposed seismic survey encountering and having an adverse impact on:

(i) blue whales if undertaken between November and April,

(ii) southern right whales if undertaken between May and October, and

(iii) southern bluefin tuna if undertaken between December and April; and

(c) calls on the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (Mr Burke) to use his powers under the Act to reject Bight Petroleum's referral as clearly unacceptable to proceed at any time of year.