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AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 58 (1974)

Issue: 7. (July)

First Page: 1437

Last Page: 1437

Title: Two Studies of Marine Environment in Australia: ABSTRACT

Author(s): R. J. Foster

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

A controversy arose in the late 1960s regarding the effect of the crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster planci (Lamarck) on the Great Barrier Reef. At that time of public concern, oil exploration was announced in the vicinity of the reef. In response to public outcry, government created the Great Barrier Reef Petroleum Drilling Royal Commission to consider: (1) what risk there is of an oil or gas leak during drilling; (2) what the effects would be of such a leak and the subsequent remedial measures; (3) whether there are localities where drilling might be permitted; (4) what safety conditions should be imposed before drilling; and (5) what are the probable benefits accruing from drilling.

Westernport Bay is close to petroleum reserves and consumer markets, and is an obvious place for industrial development. It is also an untouched body of water suitable for holiday homes, and recreation for Melbourne's 2.6 million people. The catchment of Westernport Bay offers undeveloped land for expansion of the city's residential areas.

To resolve the conflicts, represented by the possible uses of Westernport Bay, the Victorian Government, in conjunction with industry, created the Westernport Bay Environment Study. This interdisciplinary scientific program comprises: (1) collection of information on the characteristics of bay waters, and distribution of living organisms; (2) laboratory studies on tolerance to pollutants of selected species; (3) preparation of a land-use model for forecasting potential inputs to the bay from any planned development in the catchment area; and (5) preparation of a water-quality model of the bay describing intensity, areal extent, and duration of contamination arising from a given input.

The Barrier Reef Royal Commission will provide government with recommendations on the policy to be adopted regarding oil-industry activities in the Barrier Reef area, based on the Commission's careful testing, according to the rules of evidence, of the available knowledge. The Westernport Study will provide government with new knowledge and a numerical tool for predicting the impact of change; it will not recommend a policy for the future development of the Westernport area.

Here are two contrasting methods of handling a complex environmental problem. Each will cost some US $2 million, and each will take several years to complete.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists