“If they see there’s too much heat, they’ll back off”: People power the key to halting new gas drilling

“Public consultation is underway.”

It’s a phrase you see regularly, as governments at all three levels tick a box that shows they’ve given everyday folks and community groups their say in a matter of public concern.

But does it change anything? 

Public consultation is underway for the federal government’s proposal to explore for gas in the Otway Basin, and local environmental activism groups are hopeful their campaign against drilling can have an impact. They say it’s worked before, and can again.

How much people power will it take, though, when they’re up against giant oil and gas companies?

What happened: In early December last year the federal government announced it would explore for gas in five new areas in the Otway Basin. Two of these areas are off the coast of Western Victoria and the other three off the coast of Tasmania.

Before the government is able to tender licences to private companies to explore for gas they have to engage in a period of public consultation. 

• Submissions to the government close on February 6.

If licences are issued it will allow for private companies to search for gas reserves using seismic blasting and look at the viability of drilling to extract petroleum.

What impact can a public consultation process have?

Surf Rider Foundation Surf Coast President John Foss said recent history shows community mobilisation can influence offshore oil and gas proposals at critical points in the approvals process.

He pointed to campaigns against Equinor in the Great Australian Bight, PEP-11 off Sydney and Newcastle, and TGS seismic testing in the Otway Basin and Bass Strait, all of which were ultimately abandoned. 

“We’ve had some pretty good wins over the years,” he said, adding that outcomes depended on coalitions spanning environmental groups, local residents and businesses. “It’s not just one group that wins these things, it’s galvanising the whole community.”

One piece of the puzzle: Foss said consultation periods often intersect with broader campaigning, including public awareness events, submission drives and political pressure. 

Surfrider is currently preparing a campaign opposing the new exploration licences in the Otway Basin. 

“The public campaigns are there to raise awareness, and then you direct that community energy into submissions and contacting politicians,” he said, arguing that MPs “really do respond” when faced with sustained correspondence.

Obligatory, not genuine? However, Foss criticised governments and proponents for what he described as “tick-a-box” processes. 

He said the consultation period for the latest Otway licences opened over the Christmas period with a 6 February deadline, making it “very difficult” for volunteer groups to organise. 

He said “most people can’t get to weekday mid-morning consultation sessions” due to work, and the result was limited participation.

Community events: Surfrider and partner groups are moving quickly to build visibility. 

Foss said the organisation would host an information night in Torquay and an event in Melbourne later this month, alongside a letter-writing campaign supported by a new submission tool to streamline emails to politicians and regulators. 

He said getting formal submissions lodged was “critical”, while public pressure could also shape commercial decisions. 

“Companies will read the room, and if they see there’s too much heat, they’ll back off,” he said, citing Equinor and TGS as examples.

Strength in numbers: For newcomers to the process, Foss said engaging with established groups and experts was key. 

He noted Surfrider relies on technical expertise from marine scientists to break down lengthy documents, and encouraged people to educate themselves and connect locally.