Perth Community Shows Up to Tell PM & Plibersek to Save Scott Reef (2 Sep 2024)
Article summary: More than one hundred West Australians gathered at Cottesloe Beach to protest against the Federal government's support for Woodside's Browse Gas project, which they believe threatens Scott Reef's ecosystem. The gathering was strategically timed ahead of the Federal Cabinet's four-day visit to Perth, aiming to influence Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. Prominent figures, including former WA Premier Dr Carmen Lawrence, Professor Fiona Stanley, and Curtin MP Kate Chaney, participated to urge the government to reconsider its stance on the project.
Dr Carmen Lawrence emphasised the need for the government to prioritise community and environmental interests over those of fossil fuel companies. She criticised the government's current trajectory of approving projects that contribute to fossil fuel burning, urging a shift towards environmental conservation. Jason Wu, representing Parents for Climate, expressed concern over the future of his children amidst a climate crisis, advocating for the cessation of Woodside's plans to protect endangered species and the environment.
Kate Chaney MP also voiced her opposition to the Browse Gas project, describing it as a "huge climate bomb" that threatens both local marine life and global efforts to decarbonise. She highlighted the critical role Scott Reef plays in supporting marine biodiversity, including endangered species like the pygmy blue whale and green sea turtles, which depend on the reef for nesting.
The protest follows a recent Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) assessment declaring Woodside's gas proposal unacceptable due to significant environmental risks. This includes threats to endangered species and pollution concerns, reinforcing the urgency of the protestors' demands for government intervention to protect the Kimberley region and Scott Reef.
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