[Greens-Media] Media Release: GOVERNMENT MUST KEEP OIL DRILLING AWAY FROM ABROLHOS

[Mann, Maria]

Robin Chapple MLC
Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region




MEDIA RELEASE


Monday 27 May 2013

GOVERNMENT MUST KEEP OIL DRILLING AWAY FROM ABROLHOS

Oil and gas exploration should not be permitted near the Abrolhos Islands under any circumstances, Greens WA spokesperson on marine and mining issues, Robin Chapple MLC, said today, as he added his voice to the call by Greens Senator Rachel Siewert for the area to be protected.

"While I am no longer surprised by announcements like today's federal government release for oil drilling of highly sensitive areas abutting the Abrolhos Islands, I will be astounded if our new state environment minister fails to immediately veto any such proposal.

"It simply beggars belief that a Liberal state government minister would even countenance such a stupid idea as oil drilling in this economically valuable rock lobster haven.


"Looking at the map, you can see that this acreage is right up against a marine protected area and overlaps the special purpose zones. Oil spills don't pay any attention to lines on a map, so the likelihood of a spill impacting on the rock lobster fishery, the sea bird habitats and the reefs is extremely high, said Senator Siewert.



"These areas shouldn't be considered for inclusion in acreage release. To be constantly releasing acreage in important areas such as Rowley Shoals, Margaret River, Ningaloo and the Bremer Basin is completely irresponsible.


Mr Chapple continued: "Exporters like our rock lobster fishery are under the pump right now from the high Aussie dollar - the last thing they need is the spectre of oil spills at their front door.

"It should be blindingly obvious that some areas are off limits to invasive and destructive processes like oil and gas exploration, and the Abrolhos with its fragile shallow-shelf coral habitat which underpins a long-standing tourism and fishery industry is surely one of these.

"I urge our state minister to immediately slam the door on this glaring federal mistake," Mr. Chapple concluded.

For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255