Woodside charges ahead without environmental assessment

The environmental assessment for the proposed gas plant at James Price Point, near Broome, is yet to be completed and released for public comment - but this isn't stopping Woodside from charging ahead.

Woodside conducts seismic testing in humpback whale calving grounds

Pregnant humpback whales have arrived in the Kimberley to give birth and mate, with Broome locals reporting sighting over the last few weeks. The calving area extends just south of Broome, all the way up to Camden Sound, and this rich and pristine marine environment provides critical calving grounds for the world's largest population of humpback whales. 

Despite this, the WA Government has approved seismic surveying of the area by Woodside. The survey involves discharging an air gun below the ocean surface emitting high-intensity sound pulses to map the site geophysically.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has decided there is no need to assess this activity for its environmental impact, despite previous studies showing that seismic testing affects the behaviour of whales.

Seismic testing should not be carried out during the period that the whales are in the area - from June to September each year.

Please take the time to contact the Environment Minister today and ask her to direct the EPA to conduct a formal assessment on the testing.

Email Minister.Faragher@dpc.wa.gov.au

Your email only needs to be a few sentences - our government is answerable to the community for the decisions they make, and it is important your views are heard. Thank you!

Read a recent media report on the seismic testing: http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa-government-approves-seismic-survey-in-nw-whale-nursery/story-e6frg12c-1225875902404

John Clarke and Bryan Dawe's take on seismic testing & whales

Land clearing application by Woodside

Woodside has applied for approval to clear 25ha of land at James Price Point for 'onshore investigations of site design'. The application is for approval to commence clearing from August this year, and marks the beginning of serious onsite works for the LNG plant.

The comment period for the clearing application is now closed. A decision whether or not to approve the clearing permit is being made by DEC, and it is our understanding this may take several months. If the clearing application is approved, there is a further 28-day period for appeals.

We will keep you updated with actions you can take, as information becomes available.

Click on the link to view the documents submitted by Woodside: clearing application form, and map.