Dipping beneath the ocean surface at one of Australia’s most precious oceanic coral reefs will remain an experience of a lifetime for me. To don the goggles and snorkel to view this ancient and fragile ecosystem, 270 kilometres off the Kimberley coast, is like entering a portal to another universe. Fields of coral formations and acres of spectacular sponges suddenly come into view. A stunning array of creatures have been hiding in this pristine and isolated mini-universe for 15 million years. With over 900 species of fish and 1500 invertebrates, this is a vitally important habitat for so many marine species.
As I float about, mesmerised by turtles and sea snakes, clams and sea cucumbers, it is jarring in the extreme to imagine this place becoming the site for up to 50 gas wells and two massive floating gas production units. Woodside continues to pursue this twisted outcome as part of their mega-polluting Burrup Hub gas proposal off the north-west coast of WA. I am left to wonder; is there nowhere on earth the gas industry will not go to wring out the last drops of fossil fuels for the sake of their profits?
Upon return to Broome, this is the question that rises to the surface of conversation as our team debriefs over some ginger beers. We have been joined by beloved WA icons Tim Winton and John Butler on this trip. Tim, well known as an unabashed ocean lover, is first to bemoan the arrogance of an industry and a company that would even consider proposing a gas mining operation at a place like Scott Reef. Comments bounce around the group: “Of all the places?” “They can’t even leave a f***ing coral reef be.” “Is nothing sacred to these companies?”
The group is in furious agreement; and having seen firsthand the wonders of such a wild place, we all now share a renewed determination to make sure Scott Reef is saved from Woodside’s monstrous plans. It is quite the group, too. Not only do we have some star power involved (you might have seen John Butler in some of our social media posts), we have a powerful coalition of organisations who have joined forces. The Conservation Council of WA, the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Australian Marine Conservation Society, and Environs Kimberley have all come together for this mission. Such is the pivotal nature of this campaign, the significance of this fight, the uniqueness of this place, we are all in this together.
Our combined presence demonstrates the importance and scale of what is at stake. If we as Australians are to ensure that untouched, precious places like Scott Reef remain off limits to gas companies, we all have to raise our voices. If we are to have any integrity as a country in transitioning away from fossil fuels, we have to make sure our elected leaders say no to Woodside’s Burrup Hub.
Update – the WA Government has now given approval for the North West Shelf gas processing facility, a key part of the Burrup Hub, to be extended in lifespan out to 2070. This facility is where Woodside intends to send the gas from underneath Scott Reef to make it ready for export. But we still have a fighting chance to protect Scott Reef. Woodside still needs approval from Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. Email her now to make sure she says no to this disastrous proposal.
