The Australian Greens have called on the Environment Minister to urgently reject Woodside's Browse gas project, saying it would amount to environmental and climate vandalism.
The Greens say the proposed gas project - which would utilise well sites next to Scott Reef - would endanger marine life, the Reef, and undermine Australia's efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
Overnight, it was reported that the Western Australian environment watchdog is poised to recommend the project doesn't go ahead.
The focus will now be on the Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek who is under intense pressure in her climate and environmental conscious seat of Sydney.
The Greens have said the Minister must side with the climate and environment, and not Labor's mates in the fossil fuel industry.
As stated by Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:
"With 23 new coal and gas projects approved already, Labor's climate promises are worthless when they back more coal and gas.
"There can be no new coal or gas projects approved if we're to avoid climate collapse. You can't put the fire out if you're pouring petrol on it.
"With experts slamming this reckless expansion of fossil fuels, Labor must stop this climate and environment destroying gas project from going ahead."
As stated by Australian Greens environment spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:
"The WA EPA has confirmed what we have long known - Woodside's Browse project would be devastating for the environment.
"The impacts on threatened whales, turtles and the ancient coral reef they call home are entirely unacceptable. To urge protection of the Great Barrier Reef on one side of the country and approve this project on the other would be hypocritical at best, and a disaster for nature at its worst.
"Minister Plibersek must unequivocally rule out Woodside's environment wrecking project and instead look to protecting this precious ecosystem."
As stated by Australian Greens resources spokesperson, Senator Dorinda Cox:
"While everyday Australians are being impacted by climate emergencies and devastation, it's unacceptable that fossil fuel giants believe they can ignore and silence First Nations voices and knowledge and to destroy country and our cultural heritage.
"Yet we see time and time again Labor caving to lobbyists and opening new climate and environment-wrecking gas projects.
"The Greens, Traditional Owners and community have shown their commitment and determination to fight these gas wrecking projects. First Nations people have protected our lands and waterways for over 65,000 years. They will not be silenced. Now it's time for the Minister to listen."
