Community Concerns Over Environmental Impact
Friends of the Earth has criticised the Victorian government’s decision to approve Amplitude Energy’s Annie-2 Gas Field project in the Otway Basin. They warn that this could reignite community resistance and raise environmental concerns.
On May 7th, the project was announced with plans to start supplying gas by 2028. Drilling operations will occur 9 kilometers off the coasts of Peterborough and Port Campbell. This decision follows a history of community opposition in southwest Victoria, where campaigns in the 2010s successfully opposed fracking and new gas drilling.
Stan Woodhouse, Friends of the Earth’s Offshore Gas campaigner, questioned the government’s decision. He remarked, “In the 2010s, we saw an enormous community campaign in southwest Victoria that fought for a ban on fracking and new gas drilling. Is the government prepared to overrule the overwhelming local community sentiment against gas drilling?”
Impact on Emissions Targets
The environmental group argues that the new gas project could jeopardize Victoria’s ambitious Emissions Reduction Targets. It contradicts scientific advice against new fossil fuel projects. Victoria aims to reduce emissions by 80% by 2035. Friends of the Earth worries that the project will undermine these climate efforts.
Woodhouse emphasised, “Victoria is making strong progress in getting off gas. What we need now is to ramp up those efforts, not go backwards by drilling for more fossil gas.”
In 2021, the International Energy Agency released an analysis stating that governments must stop new coal, oil, and gas projects to achieve global net-zero emissions by 2050. This aligns with Friends of the Earth’s stance.
Community consultations for the Annie-2 Gas Field project are set to begin on May 27th. Sessions will occur in Portland, Warrnambool, and Peterborough, aiming to engage local residents and stakeholders.
The Victorian government has been urged to consider community views and environmental implications seriously. As discussions unfold, the outcome will likely influence the future of energy and environmental policies in the region.
Friends of the Earth believe that the project contradicts the state’s progress toward a sustainable future. They argue that investing in renewable energy would better serve long-term goals.
Amplitude Energy, the company behind the project, has stated that it will comply with all environmental regulations. However, critics remain skeptical about the project’s impact on marine life and coastal ecosystems.
Local residents, who previously campaigned against similar projects, plan to voice their concerns during the consultation sessions. They hope to stress the importance of protecting their environment and ensuring responsible energy policies.
The Victorian government’s decision will be closely monitored by environmental groups and industry stakeholders. The outcome could set a precedent for future energy projects in the state.
Last updated: 7 May 2026, 7:20 pm
