Climate and environment groups, including the Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA), are teaming up for a National Week of Action to save Scott Reef from Woodside’s proposed Browse Basin gas development.
Between September 29 and October 5 organisers will deliver statements to Members of Parliament urging them to reject this proposed gas development which threatens endangered species and runs the risk of catastrophic oil spills off WA’s Kimberely coast.
The proposal, which was knocked back by the WA Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in 2024 for “unacceptable impacts to the environment”, was resubmitted earlier this year.
Environment groups and the WA EPA have both expressed concerns that the revisions “don't change the previously identified key environmental factors".
CCWA Executive Director Matt Roberts said more than 550,000 people have signed a petition by Greenpeace calling on the federal government to reject this proposal.
He said more than 20 actions are planned in capital cities and regional towns during the Week of Action, urging MPs to take steps to stop the gas development at Scott Reef.
“In WA, actions are set to take place at Member for Perth and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman’s Office on October 3. Other MPs to receive petitions will include Tania Lawrence, Madeleine King, Josh Wilson and Rick Wilson,” Mr Roberts said. More information about the action can be found here.
Other events scheduled for the week include a screening of the award-winning documentary Corals’ Last Stand at UWA on October 2, organised by the University of Western Australia Environment Guild and the Australian Youth Climate Coalition.
CEO of the Australian Marine Conservation Society, Paul Gamblin and Federal Member for Curtin, Kate Chaney will speak on a panel alongside CCWA, at the event. More information can be found at this link.
“Our goal is to urge MPs to take immediate steps to protect the incredible natural values at Scott Reef which are under threat from Woodside’s gas and carbon dumping plans.
“We’re delivering petitions to MPs detailing the number of people in their electorate who want them to take action to save Scott Reef and stop approving new fossil fuel projects which are driving up emissions and climate change.
“In the Perth electorate 5,881 people have signed a postcard calling for the protection of Scott Reef and real climate action.
“With actions happening across the country we hope to show just how important this issue is to Australians, and that federal Labor must protect Scott Reef, a rich and valuable sanctuary for the endangered green sea turtle, pygmy blue whale and dusky sea snake.
“Labor got it wrong with the North West Shelf, amidst a flurry of controversy, backflips and concessions granted to Woodside. Labor now has the opportunity to get it right and protect the reef from Woodside’s dirty and dangerous Browse proposal.
“We can’t keep making the same decisions, approving new coal, oil and gas projects and expect a different climate outcome. The time for change is now, our future depends on it and Australians are demanding it.”