Scott Reef and ad hoc Kimberley gas development off-limits
18 Apr 2007
In a speech today at the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association conference - the peak annual meeting of oil and gas companies in Australia – WWF-Australia CEO, Greg Bourne called for industry leaders to support a fast tracked, strategic environmental review process to steer new gas development in Northern Australia.
Mr Bourne said, "A rational approach to developing new gas fields means that places like Scott Reef must be off-limits for LNG facilities. Coral reefs are under threat globally and we need to reduce pressure on reefs not increase it."
"I am confident that the Australian oil and gas industry could develop its projects without threatening Australia's magnificent natural places, like the Kimberley, but to do so necessitates a new approach to development. Business as usual, where projects are promoted one-by-one without an overarching plan is an antiquated approach, as I know many in industry and government agree."
Mr Bourne’s comments come at a time of increasing scientific and community concern about the potential damage to the Kimberley’s world-class natural and cultural assets from large liquid natural gas (LNG) projects.
Coral reefs, pristine islands and turtle habitat are among many values potentially at risk from major industrial development. WWF and other stakeholders, including Broome local residents are calling for a fast-tracked strategic planning process to find the least destructive locations for industrial hubs.
Mr Bourne outlined WWF’s current work to map the ecosystems of the Kimberley which includes breeding grounds for humpback whales and turtles. WWF has also committed resources to underpin a strategic assessment of gas development options.
"Any further delays will see opportunities for collaboration dry up - we must act now."
In his address, Mr Bourne also called on the petroleum industry to play a stronger role in ensuring Australia addresses climate change effectively. "We can avoid dangerous climate change, but to achieve that the petroleum industry needs to support the introduction of a national climate change plan that includes a unilateral and well designed carbon emissions trading scheme, as well as additional support for low emission technologies."
Find out more
Paul Gamblin, Senior Policy Advisor, WWF-Australia
Mobile: 0410 221 508
Paula Schibeci, Communications Officer, WWF-Australia
Phone: 08 9442 1213
Mobile: 0406 381 137
