SACOME welcomes Bight well approval
The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) has welcomed Federal approval of Equinor’s environmental plan (EP) for its proposed Stromlo-1 well off the South Australian coast.
This decision is an important milestone in the project which could potentially result in the creation of 2000 long-term jobs in South Australia and generate more than $7 billion in annual tax revenue to Federal and State Governments over the next 40 years.
Rebecca Knol, SACOME’s Chief Executive Officer, said Equinor’s environmental plan had undergone extensive scrutiny by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) before being granted approval.
“Stromlo-1 will be the 14th exploration well to be drilled in the Great Australia Bight,” she said.
“Equinor has drilled more than 6000 wells on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and has an excellent track record of drilling in deep-water offshore environments earned over 45 years.
“Offshore oil exploration has been occurring safely in the Great Australian Bight for more than 40 years and, given Australia’s reliance on oil in the coming decades, it is important that exploration continues.
“In neighbouring Victoria more than 1000 wells have been drilled in the Bass Strait over the past 50 years, without impacting the tourism industry along the Great Ocean road, King Island fresh produce or the large commercial fishing fleets.
“This coexistence framework has been replicated globally.”
Ms Knol said that Equinor had led the way in environmental and community management by making the EP publicly available prior to submission.
“This initiative provided all stakeholders the opportunity to ask questions and be consulted, demonstrating Equinor’s commitment to safety and transparency,” she said.
“Equinor has an excellent global track record and has made it clear it will only drill off South Australia if it can be done safely and with the approval of Australia’s independent regulator.
“With approval now received, Equinor can plan for drilling in the Bight in the summer of 2020.
“SACOME is committed to assisting the State Government achieve its ambitious 3% growth target, which is reliant on unlocking resources, such as this, for the benefit of all South Australians.”
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Media contact:
Rebecca Knol, CEO SACOME, 0409 012 007
About SACOME
The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy is the peak industry association representing companies with interests and connections to the South Australian resources and energy sector.
This decision is an important milestone in the project which could potentially result in the creation of 2000 long-term jobs in South Australia and generate more than $7 billion in annual tax revenue to Federal and State Governments over the next 40 years.
Rebecca Knol, SACOME’s Chief Executive Officer, said Equinor’s environmental plan had undergone extensive scrutiny by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) before being granted approval.
“Stromlo-1 will be the 14th exploration well to be drilled in the Great Australia Bight,” she said.
“Equinor has drilled more than 6000 wells on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and has an excellent track record of drilling in deep-water offshore environments earned over 45 years.
“Offshore oil exploration has been occurring safely in the Great Australian Bight for more than 40 years and, given Australia’s reliance on oil in the coming decades, it is important that exploration continues.
“In neighbouring Victoria more than 1000 wells have been drilled in the Bass Strait over the past 50 years, without impacting the tourism industry along the Great Ocean road, King Island fresh produce or the large commercial fishing fleets.
“This coexistence framework has been replicated globally.”
Ms Knol said that Equinor had led the way in environmental and community management by making the EP publicly available prior to submission.
“This initiative provided all stakeholders the opportunity to ask questions and be consulted, demonstrating Equinor’s commitment to safety and transparency,” she said.
“Equinor has an excellent global track record and has made it clear it will only drill off South Australia if it can be done safely and with the approval of Australia’s independent regulator.
“With approval now received, Equinor can plan for drilling in the Bight in the summer of 2020.
“SACOME is committed to assisting the State Government achieve its ambitious 3% growth target, which is reliant on unlocking resources, such as this, for the benefit of all South Australians.”
…Ends
Media contact:
Rebecca Knol, CEO SACOME, 0409 012 007
About SACOME
The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy is the peak industry association representing companies with interests and connections to the South Australian resources and energy sector.