2022-09-13
The Greens call on the Labor Government to immediately shut down plans for seismic blasting that could impact the Mermaid Reef and Rowley Shoals Marine Parks - which the Australian Government and the West Australian Government recognise as ‘one of the most remote and pristine marine areas in the world’.
Quotes attributable to Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:
“The federal and Western Australian governments both recognise the Mermaid Reef and Rowley Shoals Marine Parks as some of the world’s most pristine marine areas.
“Humpback whales, hammerhead sharks, turtles, 200 species of coral, 600 species of fish, and the livelihoods of small business owners could all be impacted by reckless seismic blasting in this area.
“It’d be absolutely hypocritical of Labor not to shut down plans that could negatively impact these precious marine ecosystems and the lives and livelihoods that depend on them.
“Anthony Albanese promised he’d stop exploration associated with the PEP-11 project on Australia’s east coast because he thought it was a ‘bad idea’ and it’d be completely contradictory for him not to do the same here in WA.
“Blasting marine life with seismic shockwaves is the reality of what happens when our Government opens up our ocean for more oil and gas - and let’s not forget that Labor has just opened up 46,758 square kilometres of new ocean acreage for fossil fuel companies to exploit."
Quotes attributable to Greens spokesperson for resources and Yamatji Noongar woman, Senator Dorinda Cox:
“Successive governments continue to damage First Nations culture and heritage in favour of big corporations.
“Traditional Owners’ culture and spirituality is intrinsically connected to Sea Country, we shouldn’t be selling it to multinational coal and gas companies for private profit.
“If Labor wants to meet their own emissions target, we cannot keep opening up new coal and gas.
“Gas has no part to play in a green future. We need cleaner, greener, renewable energy sources and investment in a clean energy export industry.”