Renowned biologist calls for urgent re-think on Gorgon project
12 Dec 2006
As speculation mounts that a decision is imminent on the controversial Gorgon gas project (Chevron, Shell and ExxonMobil), Dr Andrew Burbidge, one of Australia's leading experts on threatened species, today called on the Premier, Alan Carpenter, and the Federal Environment Minister, Ian Campbell, to delay the decision pending a fresh review of alternative sites. Locating the proposed Gorgon gas project on the Pilbara coast instead of on the Barrow Island Nature Reserve would reduce considerably the threat to rare native wildlife.
Dr Burbidge said, "With so many Australian species facing extinction, it is incomprehensible that we would consider increasing the pressure on Barrow Island's threatened species by approving a huge gas project there. Barrow Island is one of Australia's oldest and most important nature reserves. What makes this particularly troubling is that there are far better alternatives."
"While its remoteness has protected it to some extent, it is also out-of-mind to most Australians and that could be its downfall. But for biodiversity conservation scientists, Barrow Island Nature Reserve is about as good as it gets. As well as having its own unique values, it is a natural sanctuary for wildlife that is already extinct or threatened on the Australian mainland. We should be doing everything we can to protect this unique place," Dr Burbidge said.
Risks to wildlife from the project include the introduction of invasive species and diseases in the thousands of tonnes of material and equipment needed to build the gas plant. It would also require the construction of a port in a pristine area previously earmarked for inclusion in the surrounding marine park and the dredging of deep shipping channels through coral reefs.
"There appears to have been some confusion about the risks that this project poses relative to those of the existing oil wells on the island which have a much smaller footprint. The risks to wildlife from the massive Gorgon project dwarf those of the oil field - that is absolutely clear to anyone who understands this proposal."
"Having followed closely the evolution of this project, I share the view held by many that the gas plant should be located on the mainland and I sincerely hope that this sensible option is taken. The Federal and State governments should be working with the Gorgon partners, Chevron, Shell and ExxonMobil, to ensure this happens."
In June 2006, the Environmental Protection Authority recommended strongly against the project because of the risks it posed to native wildlife and habitats on the island, and in the surrounding tropical marine environment.
For more information
Paul Gamblin, Senior Policy Advisor, WWF-Australia
Phone: 08 9442 1207
Mobile: 0410 221 508
Dr Gilly Llewellyn, Program Leader Oceans, WWF-Australia
Phone: 02 8202 1227
Mobile: 0406 380 801
