EXPLORATION IN SENSITIVE AREAS: CONVINCING THE COMMUNITY

Hadson Carnarvon Pty Ltd (Hadson), on behalf of the Joint Venture Partners, operates permits EP342 and TP/9 located at the northern end of Exmouth gulf, to the east of Cape Range peninsula, Western Australia. The Exmouth region is known for the Ningaloo Reef, and for its diving and recreational fishing. The area also supports a large commercial prawn fishery. Many marine areas in the Exmouth region are regarded as being environmentally sensitive with several areas of conservation value. The partners were committed to drilling two wells in EP342 and TP/9 in 1993 as part of the obligations under the permits. Public mistrust of, and an unfamiliarity with, the oil and gas industry gave the Exmouth community the perception that the EP342 drilling program would have a detrimental impact on the sensitive marine resources of the region and, hence, to the growing tourism industry in the region. Hadson developed a management strategy which involved an extensive local community education and consultation program. Activities for this program included presentations to various community and special interest groups and a two-day public exhibition in Exmouth. The management strategy also included commitment to statutory and voluntary environmental guidelines, and an impact assessment study. Hadson's communication program was successful on a local level: by the time drilling commenced, active opposition to the drilling program had diminished significantly. This drilling program showed the importance of involving the public in the plans of the company, of putting a 'face' to the company and of communicating environmental risk in a trustworthy manner. The State Government announced in July 1994 that petroleum exploration within Ningaloo Marine Park would not be permitted. This decision was not based on scientific evidence, but political strategy and a perception that in the Exmouth and wider community there was an innate 'fear' regarding the impact of the petroleum industry.