by Victoria Pavy
The past few months have seen hard work, hope, and a resurgence of energy from climate campaigners in WA and across Australia:
- The WA Environmental Protection Agency recommended approval of the extension of the life of Woodside’s North-West Shelf gas processing facility, and the people of WA responded by achieving a record number of appeals against this advice.
- Tomorrow Movement launched their new campaign for a Climate Jobs Guarantee
- The Australian Government committed to reducing emissions by “43% below 2005 levels by 2030”
- Greenpeace Germany caused disruption to pipeline shipments needed for Woodside’s gas projects
So, what’s next?
The so-called “Climate Election” has seen a renewed sense of hope and acted as a catalyst for climate action, with a large swing in favour of climate-focused parties and independents. This has resulted in a new emissions reduction target for Australia: “43% below 2005 levels by 2030.”
However, climate justice campaigners understand that our federal government remains captured by the fossil fuel industry, with both major parties receiving funding from these companies. As such, in a phenomenon termed “State Capture,” they are reluctant to denounce polluting projects such as Woodside’s Scarborough Gas.
Campaigners have responded with a strong physical presence in the first days of sitting, reminding the government of the climate crisis and need for immediate action.
Closer to home, climate campaigners have demonstrated just how much we can achieve if we all work together. Despite the inexcusable environmental impacts of Woodside’s planned Scarborough and Browse gas projects, the EPA suggested approving their propositions to extend the life of the North-West Shelf gas processing facility, an integral part of their plans for Scarborough and Browse.
Lead by the Conservation Council of WA (CCWA), we helped to achieve a record number of appeals to the State Environment Minister, Reece Whitby, not to approve this proposal.
Now, we have an even bigger opportunity to use people power for good: the WA Environmental Protection Authority’s Draft Greenhouse Gas Policy is now open for public consultation.
This is our chance to shape WA’s Greenhouse Gas Policy, making it harder for future dirty fossil gas projects like Woodside’s Scarborough Gas to go ahead.
While CCWA leads the campaign to make submissions to the EPA, 350 Boorloo Perth will be lending a hand to the campaign and continuing to stand up to the fossil fuel industry by bringing climate to the forefront of discussions, maintaining a physical presence outside Woodside, and eroding the social license of fossil fuels.
Make sure you sign up here to get involved!