Scott Reef, AUS in danger!

Hi All

After years of individual assessments for test drilling and seismic testing, Woodside has now put in an application for full-scale offshore oil and gas production at Scott Reef. While the application is all about LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) it is important to remember that both oil and gas have been found in the Browse Basin where Scott Reef is situated. The production of LNG usually requires separating it from oil, contaminated wastewater or other substances. Liquid natural gas may be a slightly cleaner fuel than oil or coal but it is still a fossil fuel and contributes to global warming and climate change. Gas production comes with a range of environmental impacts, both direct and indirect, all of which have the potential to impact on coral reefs in general and Scott Reef specifically.

If this application is approved, Australia will have the dubious distinction of being the first country ever to allow the construction of oil and gas production infrastructure on a major coral reef. It will set a precedent that could very well lead to the development of offshore oil and gas fields in the Coral Sea on the boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Scott Reef is as ecologically important and beautiful as any major coral reef anywhere in the world and due the same respect and protection we give reefs such as Ningaloo and the Great Barrier Reef.

The environmental credentials of Governments and Environment Ministers are continually being put to the test. The Rudd Government and Environment Minister Peter Garrett have scored poorly in almost every environmental test they have faced to date, if they fail in this test, the loser will be Scott Reef and Australia's international reputation.

Please consider making a submission against this application, the full details of which can be downloaded at the following link. The closing date for submissions is April 3rd

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc/epbc_ap.pl?name=referral_detail&proposal_id=4111

If you don't have the time to put in a submission then please find a moment to write, email or fax Minister Peter Garrett and let him know what you think of allowing Scott Reef to be degraded by oil and gas development. Ask him to reject this application and prohibit any new oil and gas exploration and extraction within 100km of any coral reef in Australian waters.

The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts.

PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Tel: (02) 6277 7640
Fax: (02) 6273 6101

Email: Peter.Garrett.MP@aph.gov.au

If you would updates on this issue or to be sent a draft copy of our submission against this application then please reply to this email.

Thanks
James

James Mc Lellan
Coordinator
North Queensland Conservation Council
Phone (07) 47716226
Fax (07) 47211713
Mobile 0403685308
www.nqcc.org.au