SYDNEY, Wednesday 10 December 2025 — Greenpeace Australia Pacific has slammed the Victorian government’s decision to press ahead with two new gas exploration license tenders, saying it “flies in the face of science and community opposition”.
The Allan government today has opened two new tenders for gas exploration in Gippsland and offshore at the Otway Basin, ignoring overwhelming community concerns and opening the floodgates to more fossil fuel pollution.
The announcement comes as the Federal government prepares to announce its proposed pathway forward on the Gas Market Review.
Solaye Snider, Campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “The Victorian government’s decision to open up new gas exploration tenders flies in the face of science and community opposition. It is opening the door to more fossil fuel pollution at a time when the science demands a rapid exit.
“What we are seeing today is the Victorian government effectively handing a blank cheque to greedy gas corporations to do more seismic blasting, while ignoring blanket community opposition to the proposal. This shows they will continue to put billionaires like Gina Rinehart, who has gas interests in Gippsland, ahead of people and the climate.
“The Victorian government likes to talk up its climate credentials, but this is a serious and alarming backwards step, and a slap in the face to the communities who have fought so hard to stop further gas expansion, and will continue to resist.
“Our politicians love to ignore this fact, but let’s be clear: we do not need new gas. Australia already has more than enough gas in production – the real problem is we export 80% of it. With the government recommendation on the Gas Market Review due imminently, now is the time to actually curb gas exports, and ensure no policy incentivises new gas.
“We need a clear plan to get Australian homes and industry off gas entirely, replacing it with cheaper, cleaner power. Drilling for more gas now only delays the inevitable and necessary shift to renewables. Setting a timeline to wind down our gas use – including exports – to protect communities and nature, is the only path forward.”
-ENDS-
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