Oil and gas industry leader out of touch on oil response – not handled 'perfectly'

The Wilderness Society (WA) Inc
Joint Media Release with Environs Kimberly
2 November 2009

Conservation groups have slammed Woodside’s claims that the Government’s response to the oil spill was handled 'perfectly', saying it again demonstrated that the Australian public could have little confidence in the current oil and gas operations off the Kimberley coast.

Environs Kimberley Director Martin Pritchard said Woodside’s Chief Don Voelte’s claims that the Government had handled everything 'perfectly' in response to the oil spill showed an industry turning a blind eye to the environmental disaster.

"It is extraordinary to suggest this disaster has been well managed when we now have a fire raging out of control – and more than 28,000 barrels of oil have leaked into one of the most pristine marine environments in the world."

“If Don Voelte really believes the response has been perfect, perhaps he can explain why the Government took so long to commit to environmental surveys of the region,” he said.

“The lack of ongoing information from the government and the oil and gas sector has also been of deep concern – and it is only in the last few days that we have seen them begin to address our calls for transparency.”

The Wilderness Society Marine Coordinator Dr Jill St John said if Woodside claims were taken on its face value, then it only added to the growing evidence that future oil and gas development in the region posed a serious risk and stronger safeguards for the marine environment were needed.

“If this is the best response that both Government and the oil and gas sector can do, then it really brings into question how development can proceed in such a pristine marine environment."

“How confident can the Australian public be about future operations, when an industry leader believes that the management to date has been handled perfectly?”

"The only way to protect the Kimberley’s marine environment is by establishing large marine sanctuaries – that act as a safe haven for marine life to feed and breed, away from oil spills and other activities."