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More than 120 Broome locals gathered on November 1 at Entrance Point Reef to call for its protection according to Environs Kimberley and on November 14 a giant townhall meeting in Sydney’s Marrickville will aim to shed more light on the current Commonwealth Government’s gas plans for the Kimberley.
As the community came together, barefoot kids delighted in discovering hermit crabs under the glowing sandstone cliffs near the opalescent water covering carpets of corals.
With a giant red crane looming ominously over the scene, Yawuru local Tony Lee spoke powerfully about the heritage importance of Entrance Point while Ngaire Pigram, creator of the two petitions to the WA Parliament requesting the protection of Entrance Point, called for a minute of silence to honour the place’s spirit.
“What they’re bringing here is destructive industry… you’re not going to be able to hear the reef talk any more,” they said fighting back tears.
“Don’t ever think you can’t stand up for Country. You all belong here because you’ve all felt this place and you know how special it is… let’s not give up.”
Hand-painted signs by local families asked WA Minister for Ports David Michael why he hasn’t answered more than 1000 letters requesting protection of the reef. Other signs questioned why there has been no study done on the more than 40 species of corals living at the site.
The community also called on Hon. Peter Foster, Chair of the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs whose electorate is the Mining and Pastoral Region, to respond to the signatories of the two petitions requesting the protection of Entrance Point Reef.
You can see more photos and read further coverage of the community action on ABC Kimberley’s facebook post.
Environs Kimberley is urging the community to keep fighting to protect Entrance Point Reef – if you haven’t already, please send a letter to Minister Michael to protect the reef from industrialisation here.
EK is joining the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Save Scott Reef alliance, Environment Centre NT and others for a town hall event in Sydney on November 14 to shed light on dangerous gas projects under consideration by the Albanese Government – including a decision on fracking the Kimberley.
“We’re showing up together to help protect Country and climate and ask the Albanese Government to protect the Kimberley.
“If you’re in Sydney or know someone there who may like to attend, you can read more about the incredible line up of speakers, and RSVP here.
The Albanese Government has the power to stop further gas expansion and protect the places we love, before it’s too late. We all urgently need to speak up now and let our government know that Australians want an end to climate-wrecking coal and gas!
Recently, the Albanese Government approved three coal mine expansions, and right now the Government is considering whether to approve two major gas expansion projects in WA until 2070, and considering handing $1.9 billion to fund a gas hub in the NT. They are also shockingly considering whether to allow a US oil and gas company to frack the Kimberley.
We need to show up together, to help the fight to protect Country and climate and tell it to the Albanese Government straight – their actions are putting our future, and the future of our beautiful big backyard, at risk.
Come along to this powerful town hall to hear from an incredible lineup of speakers, including:
- Mililma May is a Danggalaba Kulumbirgin Tiwi woman. She is a community organiser and freelance writer. She has supported grassroots movements across the Top End in the fight for Aboriginal self-determination and liberation.
- Gadrian Hoosan, Garrwa/Yanyuwa community leader from Borroloola in the Northern Territory’s Gulf of Carpentaria will speak about the impacts of fracking in the NT and the local movement to stop it
- Martin Pritchard, Director at Environs Kimberley will speak about the current proposal to frack the Kimberley and its impacts on WA’s nature, water and endangered species.
- Dr Louise Woodward, Paediatrician in Darwin, will speak about the health impacts of coal and gas and the proposed Middle Arm gas hub.
- Anna Chapman, Fossil Fuels Program Manager at CCWA, will speak about Woodside’s proposal to open new offshore gas fields and the fight to save Scott Reef in WA And one more speaker to be announced soon!
Hosted by ACF’s Climate Campaign Manager Gavan McFadzean, this town hall will bring together local climate and nature advocacy groups from across Gadigal Country in Sydney.
Stalls, snacks and kids activities from 5.30pm.
