The Norwegian-based oil and gas company Statoil plans to drill in the Great Australian Bight before the end of 2018, drawing concerns from environmentalists.

Greenpeace says the waters off of South Australia and Western Australia are "under threat from greedy oil companies", and uploaded a video that explains how seismic work by explorers takes a nasty toll on marine habitats.  The Wilderness Society says oil and gas exploration should never have been allowed in the region, and a spill could threaten the whole of Australia's southern coast - especially Kangaroo Island.

Statoil/Light blue shows drill areas

Statoil is taking over two exploration permits from BP for work in the Bight and has also given up its 30 percent equity in two other licenses held by BP.  BP has given its 70 per cent equity interest in two other permits to Statoil and exited those licenses.

"With this transaction, we have strengthened our position in this promising, unproven basin with a large exploration upside," Statoil's Pal Haremo said.  "We believe there could be an active petroleum system within our permit area and we are now positioned to test this potential under favorable market conditions for exploration drilling."

The federal government is all in favor of new drilling, claiming it will create jobs:  "The Bight Basin remains one of Australia's frontier basins," said Federal Resources Minister Matt Canavan.  "Continuing the search for new oil and gas provinces is part of Australia's efforts to secure its energy future."