A 200-strong crowd braved the rain to protest outside Woodside’s annual general meeting at the Crown Casino on April 23.
Custodians, activists, NGOs, scientists, doctors, drummers and singers gathered to demand Woodside take responsibility for the devastating destruction it is causing to climate and Country.
Having been granted an extended 40-year lease to continue to mine gas on the Burrup Peninsula, Woodside is now seeking federal government approval to drill 57 gas wells at Scott Reef. It would have devastating consequences for endangered species, migrating whales and a warming planet, in part due to Woodside’s toxic emissions.
The protest, organised by the Conservation Council WA (CCWA), included Murujuga custodians Regina Daniel, Kaylene Daniel and Samantha Walker. They spoke about the generations’ long fight against mining on Country. Hannah Ferguson from Cheek Media blasted the WA Labor government in what she called its “complete betrayal” of people for continuing to subsidise the polluting fossil fuel industry rather than essential services. She suggested that the growing momentum for a gas tax, among even Liberal supporters, could signal the end to Woodside’s social licence.
The rally also heard from Get Off My Chest campaigner Clare Lagan, a staunch Freo Dockers fan who is determined to end Woodside’s sponsorship of the Dockers, and Voices for Climate Choir which have helped campaign for an end to Woodside’s sponsorship of the WA Museum.
Speakers pointed to the fact the Iran war is sending gas prices soaring and helping Woodside make obscene profits. Meanwhile, people’s bills continue to rise.
The CCWA has highlighted the devastation these projects wreak and why they must be stopped. “Amid chaotic global energy markets and environmental devastation, it’s never been more urgent that we stop new fossil gas developments and accelerate the transition to clean, cheap renewables, like solar.”
