Icon Issues Warning for Australian State Over Gas Proposal
John Butler criticizes a gas drilling plan near Scott Reef, warning it could hinder Australia’s climate goals and harm the environment.
John Butler, Scott Reef, Western Australia, Gas Wells, Climate Change
Perth: John Butler, the American-Australian musician, is really fired up about a new gas drilling plan near Scott Reef. He thinks it’s totally out of touch and could push Australia’s net zero targets back by 20 years. That’s a big deal!
Woodside wants to drill up to 50 gas wells around Scott Reef, which is Australia’s largest offshore coral reef. Butler is not having it. He’s worried about the impact on over 1500 species living there, including the endangered pygmy blue whale.
Butler, who grew up in WA, feels the proposal is just wrong. He recently looked at postcards showcasing the beauty of the Kimberley and thought it was ironic that the state government is okay with drilling near such a precious area.
He said, “We don’t put gas precincts in our passports.” It’s clear he believes that the natural beauty of Australia is what we should be proud of, not gas wells.
Butler also warned that an oil spill could devastate the region for years. He’s been fighting for the environment for over a decade and feels like he’s still having to protest the same issues. It’s getting old for him.
He pointed out that once these gas wells are in, it’s hard to stop them. He’s seen the devastation that industrialization can cause and believes companies are just trying to profit while pretending to care about the environment.
Butler recently snorkeled at Scott Reef to raise awareness about the issue. He described it as pristine and beautiful, and the thought of drilling there makes him uneasy. He fears it could lead to a hidden environmental disaster.
On the other side, Woodside claims their project aligns with government policies and is necessary for Australia’s energy transition. They say no drilling will happen directly on Scott Reef, but Butler isn’t convinced.
WA’s Minister for Energy, Environment, and Climate, Reece Whitby, insists they’re trying to protect the environment while also recognizing the role of gas in the energy transition. It’s a complex situation, and the environmental assessment is still ongoing.