The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) has accepted Norwegian company Equinor’s environment plan for exploratory petroleum drilling in the Great Australian Bight.

This represents the second of four approvals required before activity can start off the South Australian coast and flies in the face of widespread community opposition.

The first approval was granted in 2011 when federal and state government resources ministers granted an exploration title for activity in the Bight.

“Under Commonwealth legislation, energy companies must have a petroleum title, an accepted environment plan, well operations management plan and facility safety case before they can undertake any offshore oil and gas activity,” according to a statement from NOPSEMA.

Centre Alliance opposes drilling in the Bight and Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie has expressed her party’s disappointment at the NOPSEMA approval.

“We believe the risk of any spill is too high a price for our pristine marine environment and the industries that rely on that environment.

“It is clear from public surveys done in South Australia and the majority of the 30,000 submissions sent to NOPSEMA during the environmental approval process that most South Australians will be disappointed with this decision.

“We cannot understand why the environmental plan was approved when drilling will be conducted at such a depth and in such a remote location. Both factors that will heighten the risk of a major oil spill in an area with unique and diverse marine biodiversity.”

The NOPSEMA assessment process took almost eight months; Equinor modified and re-submitted its Environment Plan twice, responding to requests for additional information.

“NOPSEMA has imposed stringent conditions on its approval to ensure a high level of protection to the environment, in recognition of the region’s unique values and sensitivities,” the statement says.

“In the event Equinor secures all approvals, it will be subject to NOPSEMA’s inspection and compliance regime. Failure to comply with the environment plan will result in enforcement action.”

Victor Harbor mayor Moira Jenkins expressed her council’s opposition to the approval on Facebook.

“Our whales, pristine marine environment, agriculture and economy are at risk if there is any oil spills, or contamination from oil drilling. 

“As a council we are working so hard to protect our environment and move towards a clean energy future. This decision opens a door that can not be shut.”

University students have organised a protest rally against drilling in the Bight at State Parliament at 1pm on Saturday 21 December.