SYDNEY, Friday 8 May 2026 — In response to reports that the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will this year make a recommendation on Woodside's Browse gas project, the following statement can be attributed to Hannah Schuch, senior campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific:
"Woodside's plan to drill for gas on the doorstep of Scott Reef is reckless and dangerous. The WA Environmental Protection Authority already made an initial finding that Woodside's plan to drill at least 50 wells near Scott Reef, home to nesting sea turtles, endangered pygmy blue whales and other endangered species, posed unacceptable risks to the environment.
"There is no acceptable or safe way to drill for gas, dump carbon, or build industrial pipelines around the pristine Scott Reef. Environment Minister Murray Watt has a responsibility to protect the environment and put an end to this dangerous project. Minister Watt and the Albanese Labor government's environmental credentials ride on protecting Scott Reef from Woodside's pollution for good.
"Protecting Scott Reef by rejecting Woodside's appalling Browse plans, that include the export of gas for which international demand is declining, would be a legacy moment for the Federal Labor government. As Australians, we love our island nation and our big blue backyard, and we expect our elected leaders to safeguard our oceans and reefs.
"Greenpeace is calling for Murray Watt to listen to the half a million Australians that have asked him to stop this nature and climate-wrecking project and protect Scott Reef for generations to come."
