King Island Seismic Blasting Survey Extended

• King Island Survey deadline now Friday 27 August

• Survey extended to give all adult islanders chance to have their say on biggest issue facing the island

• Survey deadline extension comes as surfers try and hold up seismic blasting vessel from leaving Port Geelong

  

The survey of King Island residents about whether they support or oppose seismic blasting in King Island waters has been extended.

“The survey has been extended a week to give everyone a chance to have their say on one of the most critical issues facing the island,” said Tom Allen of the Wilderness Society Tasmania.

“This year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have made it even more explicit that the Morrison Government’s and ConocoPhilips’ pursuit of new fossil fuel is illegitimate, unnecessary and harmful. Even more illegitimate is the fact that no one has asked King Islanders what they want - until now.

“The future of the marine and fishing-dependent island is at stake not just from the threat of seismic blasting but also from the harm from the drilling and pollution that could follow,” said Mr Allen.

The announcement of the survey deadline extension comes as surfers paddled out to try and hold up the seismic blasting vessel, the Geo Coral, from leaving Port Geelong.

As the surfers paddled out, they were accompanied by dolphins.

For comment: Tom Allen, 0434 614 323