Ocean next to Abrolhos Islands has been opened up for Oil and Gas exploration

In a move sure to attract some interest from Geraldton locals, the Federal Resource Minister Gary Gray today announced the 2013 Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release at the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) conference in Brisbane. 

Included in the new areas available to companies for exploration are large amounts of ocean near the much loved Abrolhos Islands.

The map of the new areas available for exploration can be seen in the map above, in red. 

We have contacted Minister Gary Gray's office for comment.