Matt Roberts, the Executive Director of the Conservation Council of WA, said today:
“We have written today to the new Minister for the Environment Murray Watt to convey our congratulations to him as he takes on this vital portfolio at a critical time for our nature and for climate action. We look forward to engaging with the Environment Minister on these crucial issues, and note particular priorities for reforms to strengthen Australia’s nature laws and the impending federal decision on the North West Shelf extension.
“Woodside’s application to extend their North West Shelf gas export facility until 2070 is the first test for the new Environment Minister. The North West Shelf has been thoroughly rejected by the WA electorate at this election - in two key WA seats, Curtin and Fremantle, independent candidates won significant swings towards them despite massive scare campaigns from industry about the North West Shelf. Meanwhile Peter Dutton, the biggest backer of the North West Shelf who irresponsibly promised to fast-track the approval process if elected, comprehensively lost the election and his own seat.
“The re-elected Albanese government has a mandate to act on climate and to protect nature. WA’s message to the government is clear - we don’t want the increased energy prices, massive carbon pollution, and destruction of our precious environment and cultural heritage that would result from a 45 year extension to the largest gas export facility in the southern hemisphere.
“Last Thursday, CCWA stood at Woodside’s AGM alongside Greenpeace and Professor Fiona Stanley AC to warn of the environmental and health impacts of extending the life of the North West Shelf. Woodside decided to cut off questions in their AGM that were about valid scientific concerns related to the extension.
“We encourage the new Minister to take the necessary time to conduct a proper assessment process for the North West Shelf proposal, with all its possible consequences for climate, environment, cultural heritage, and cost of living.”
ENDS