This report aims to use data from project documents published by companies to assess the potential cumulative impacts of offshore oil and gas production in the Arafura and Timor Seas and how they are currently being addressed in these documents, using three projects a case studies.
We discovered there are likely many more significant impacts than are currently understood by either the companies or the government bodies responsible for regulating the industry. While the total impacts remain unkown, there should be no further development of oil and gas, and governments and companies must be required to consult with all potentially impacted people, including those in neighbouring countries.
From the shores of the Timor and Arafura Seas off Australiaā€™s northern coastline, Sea of Nations is a First Nations-led advocacy organisation pioneering a new approach to environmental campaigning, anchored in cultural lore and Aboriginal stewardship of land and seas, working to safeguard healthy seas, thriving coastal communities and strong cultures. Sea of Nations is providing coastal communities with the knowledge and tools to understand their rights and empower them to take part in decisions that affect their seas, amplifying their stories and building powerful connections across cultural groups.
Since 2021, Jubilee has been a key support to Tiwi Islands people opposing fossil gas expansion. This work initially focused on stopping the proposed Barossa gas project, and the campaign had unprecedented success in terms of requiring mining companies to consult with First Nations people. The ripple effects of this campaign continue to be felt and have directly contributed to investor insecurity in Australian gas expansion. Jubilee has since worked closely with Tiwi Islanders to support their vision for a broader campaign looking further afield than Barossa, to protect the Timor and Arafura Seas from further fossil fuel industrialisation.
Learn more about Sea of Nations.
"The ocean is a part of our culture, and itā€™s our life. Our Dreaming, our skin groups, our dances and songlines, all come from the sea. Everything is connected. And if something happens to our sea itā€™s going to affect us physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally.ā€¯
- Therese Wokay Bourke
Tiwi Islands Elder, Chairperson of Sea of Nations
HOW WE CAN PROTECT THE TIMOR AND ARAFURA SEAS
Prevent further fossil fuel developments
Given the existing risks associated with existing offshore oil and gas activities, the cumulative impacts of which are poorly understood, and the potential for risks to be amplified with further development, the Australian government should cease issuing new leases for offshore gas exploration and production, and cancel existing exploration and retention leases.
Introduce the requirement for transboundary impact assessments
There are currently no requirements for companies developing projects in Australian waters to consult with communities in neighbouring countries, despite the transboundary nature of the risks associated with offshore oil and gas activities.
REPORT: The cumulative impacts of oil and gas production in the Arafura and Timor Seas
