BY CATHERINE ALLEN

Plans for further seismic testing off Newcastle’s coastline have been announced by petroleum exploration company Asset Energy.

Seismic testing is conducted by sending acoustic pulses into the ocean floor, using the transmission and reflection of those waves along a grid to create an image.

The Australian Security Exchange received a statement on December 31st from MEC Resources (Asset Energy’s parent company) CEO Deborah Ambrosini stating last April’s 2D testing in the same area; “highlighted some interesting amplitude anomalies”.

Asset Energy plans to conduct 3D seismic testing of a 12.25 square kilometre patch off the coast of Newcastle in search of natural gas deposits.

Environmentalists and MPs have raised concerns about the effect of the tests on marine life and local fisheries since the companies interest in the area began several years ago.

Greens MP Justin Field says he received reports following last years tests, of disruptions to fish stock.

“The testing area is in one of the most productive commercial fishers in NSW,” Mr. Field says

“It’s just the wrong place to do this sort of testing.”

Mr. Field is urging the Berejiklian government to step in saying they can “no longer pass the buck”.

“They’re saying they can’t do anything because it’s a federal issue, what I’m calling on them to do is that if this project goes ahead, that they will not allow onshore infrastructure to support this gas development.

“That will send a clear signal to the market that this is not wanted in NSW.”

For more information visit

Save Our Coast
www.theherald.com.au