Join the Conservation Council of WA for our third Environment Matters event of 2025: Rigs, Reefs, Recycling
As Western Australia’s offshore oil and gas infrastructure nears the end of its operational life, important decisions must be made about what to do with ageing platforms, pipelines, and seabed structures. Across Australia there is 5.7 million tonnes of material in offshore oil and gas infrastructure - 89% of this is off the coast of WA.
This Environment Matters forum will bring together researchers, environmental advocates, industry representatives, and regulators to explore the implications of offshore decommissioning, the risks and opportunities.
Key questions include:
- How do we hold companies accountable for the financial and environmental liabilities?
- Can some structures be safely repurposed as artificial reefs?
- How do we ensure local communities, workers, and ecosystems benefit from the transition?
- What are the opportunities for establishing a decommissioning industry?
- What do we do with the waste?
Without strong regulation and strategic investment, Australia risks marine pollution, public liability, and lost economic opportunity. But with bold leadership, WA can turn this challenge into a generational opportunity, creating jobs, supporting green steel and circular economy industries, and laying the foundation for offshore renewables.
The forum will also examine the controversial “Rigs to Reefs” approach, highlighting the need for evidence-based, transparent decision-making to avoid greenwashing and environmental harm.
Join us for an important conversation on how WA can lead the way in responsible decommissioning and build a fair, sustainable transition for workers, oceans, and the future.
We're excited to announce our line up of guest speakers!
- Welcome to Country - Daniel Garlett
- Dr Francis Norman - Centre for Offshore Decommissioning Australia (CODA)
- Adj. Prof. Al Rainnie – University of South Australia & Curtin University
- Angie Moore - Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
- Fern Cadman- The Wilderness Society
This is a free, in-person event, and light refreshments will be provided.