I'm sure you all already know about the heroic acts that are happening as I write as people work to stop Woodslide's drilling equipment reaching their compound up Manari Road.
Campaign members managed to provide enough discouragement for 2 weeks so the Darkside didn't even try to move the trucks out of the yard. However, this Wednesday morning an attempt was made to get a large convoy, which includes the drill rig that will extract 35 million litres of water from our aquifer, up Manari Road. A series of lock ons, pole sits and tree sits stopped that plan very successfully, and the convoy is currently parked on Manari Road. For pics of the brave stuff people have done, check out our Facebook site.
This morning there are still several impediments on the road - and, if the Police remove them, Woodside faces the Goolarabooloo family going about their lawful cultural activities on the side track off Manari road that leads into the compound!
There's been some criticism in the press about the impact of this action on the tourism industry - needless to say, not all of it accurate. For example, it was the police who closed the Cape Leveque road, not us. Following is the press release we're sending out this morning to counter that criticism:
Media Release: Gas hub would destroy Broome tourism
BCNGC is asking why the WA Police and Woodside have attempted to take machinery to James Price Point at the height of the tourist season when they know that protests are continuing against the proposed gas hub.
“The WA Police and Woodside are well aware that this is the height of the tourist season and that the opposition to the gas hub is strong and continuing, it makes you think that the Police and Woodside have done this deliberately to cause angst in the community,” BCNGC spokesperson Nik Wevers said.
“The protests against the state government and Woodside’s gas hub have so far stopped a drill rig from going to James Price Point and unfortunately has caused some minor disruption to tourists but this is nothing compared to the industrialization of this area would do to the biggest industry in Broome,” said Ms Wevers.
A report by the Curtin University Centre for Sustainable Tourism (report available on request) highlighted the serious threat to tourism from oil and gas. The Recent EPA report said the impacts of dredging could extend as far as Gantheaume Point which means that Cable Beach would be under threat.
“If the gas hub goes ahead it will wreck tourism in Broome and damage the Kimberley brand. Tourists come here to see unspoilt beauty and industrialisation will tarnish this world class destination.” “The only way to guarantee a future for the tourism industry here is to make sure this gas hub goes elsewhere, there are alternatives that are cheaper and less environmentally damaging,” said Ms Wevers.
A huge and very sincere thanks to all of you have contributed to this action - in whatever role. We are a great team and we are winning! Even the Premier was heard to mutter something which indicated that he might be prepared to countenance an alternative site.
On a different campaign front - don't forget that this Saturday night is the LAUNCH of the findings of the dinosaur studies at JPP: 6pm at Notre Dame. We hope to see a big crowd there to hear the myriad of wonderful things researchers have found. If you volunteered to bake a cake or help with serving etc. THANK YOU!
Stay strong and supporting the Campaign in whatever way you can!
Photo Damian Kelly
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