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Australian Energy Producers Journal Australian Energy Producers Journal Society
Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)

The CarbonNet Project – a case study of the use of marine assessments and advisory panels for stakeholder assurance

Victoria Mendes Da Costa
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The CarbonNet project, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Level 17, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria Australia 3000. Email: victoria.mendesdacosta@ecodev.vic.gov.au

The APPEA Journal 60(2) 486-490 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ19140
Accepted: 17 March 2020   Published: 15 May 2020

Abstract

The CarbonNet project is investigating the feasibility of commercial-scale carbon capture and storage in Victoria. CarbonNet has identified a prospective storage site called Pelican, in the offshore Gippsland Basin in Bass Strait. CarbonNet undertook a 3D marine seismic survey (MSS) in 2018 as part of the appraisal program for Pelican. Environmental impacts and risks associated with the MSS were assessed in an Environment Plan accepted by Commonwealth and Victorian regulators. Underwater sound and its impact on the marine environment was a key issue raised by stakeholders. In response, CarbonNet put several initiatives in place to address concerns, including: undertaking marine habitat assessments before and after the MSS; and establishing an independent advisory panel to provide advice on the marine habitat assessments. The objectives of the habitat assessments were to confirm the abundance of key marine species before and after the MSS, and to determine whether any differences could be attributed to the MSS. To ensure that the habitat assessments were undertaken in a scientifically robust manner, an advisory panel was established consisting of representatives from regulatory agencies, academia and the fishing industry. This paper provides an overview of how CarbonNet used marine assessments and an advisory panel for stakeholder assurance.

Keywords: 3D seismic, environmental impacts and risks, marine habitat assessments, independent advisory panel, abundance of key marine species, stakeholder assurance.

Victoria Mendes Da Costa is the Regulatory Approvals Strategy Manager for the CarbonNet Project within the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions. Victoria has been with the project since 2011 principally in the regulatory team. Victoria has over 20 years of experience in providing strategic policy and regulatory advice to both the public and private sectors, and has an excellent understanding of government and regulatory issues and management.


References

Carbon Storage Taskforce (2009). National Carbon Mapping and Infrastructure Plan – Australia: Full Report. Australian Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, Canberra.