2025-02-26
The WA Greens have responded to outrageous claims by Woodside CEO Meg O'Neill, reported in the West Australian, that anyone who doesn't support the North West Shelf is 'pro coal'.
WA Greens MLC Dr Brad Pettitt said the WA community was sick of being gaslighted by WA Labor and by the gas industry.
"It is disgraceful to hear the Woodside CEO gaslight the community who wants to see genuine climate action by labelling them as 'pro coal' and telling outright lies about the North West Shelf extension.
"The North West Shelf extension is an unmitigated climate disaster and there is no link between this project and more coal in Western Australia. In fact, the North West Shelf extension doesn't even come online until 2035 - 5 years after the WA government has committed to closing coal-fired power stations in Collie.
"According to a CSIRO report commissioned by Woodside, WA gas exports are displacing the uptake of renewable energy in Asia and being onsold - often back to energy suppliers on the East Coast of Australia - for a profit.
"If we're not careful, gas will simply replace coal and displace renewable energy right here in Western Australia as well; which is exactly what the gas industry wants to happen."
WA Greens fossil fuel spokesperson and Legislative Council candidate Sophie McNeill said Woodside was setting us on track for up to 3 degrees of warming with the north west shelf extension out to 2070.
“We’ve seen large scale fish deaths in the Kimberley and Pilbara, and mass coral bleaching - the worst in a decade or more - at Ningaloo reef in the last few weeks.
“These horrific events are directly linked to climate change and Woodside has hoodwinked the WA Labor government with its lies about gas as a transition fuel!
“It’s time for the WA government to push back against the gas industry and get us back on track for a safe climate.”
Media Contact
Tim Oliver - 0431 9696 25