Environmental threats to Australia

Any doubts about the oil and gas industry’s intentions to expand rapidly into the Ningaloo-Exmouth Gulf area have been erased with startling new developments.

We’ve been raising the alarm about the massive Subsea 7 pipeline fabrication facility proposed for a beautiful, undeveloped part of Exmouth Gulf which threatens to open ‘Ningaloo’s Nursery’ to heavy industry.

Now, the Federal Government has revealed plans to exploit huge areas for oil and gas development along the Ningaloo World Heritage area. Coral Bay, Gnaraloo, Quobba-Red Bluff – all these iconic places would be at risk of rig blowouts and oil spills. That would be catastrophic. For nature. For jobs and local economies. For the whole community.

Think it can’t happen here? A rig blowout a few years ago spewed millions of litres of oil off the Kimberley coast just to the north.

Oil and gas rigs would be allowed as close as the Rottnest swim distance from the Ningaloo World Heritage area

Migrating whales and turtles, and resident dolphins and fish, would all be subjected to years of intensive underwater sonic explosions during seismic exploration.

It’s time for us to tell our leaders: Enough is enough. Help us convince governments to draw a line in the sand. Ningaloo must not be industrialised!

Please add your name to this short letter to the Federal Ministers for Resources and the Environment imploring them to stand up for Ningaloo. We will also submit the letter to the public consultation process, where we are calling for the Government to halt the release of areas nominated for oil and gas development off Ningaloo. Please visit the Department’s site if you would like to provide your own additional comments. In addition, we will make the relevant WA Government Ministers aware of the community’s concerns

While our campaign focus is on Ningaloo, this new acreage would also impact other highly important reefs and habitat for many threatened species off WA including in the Shark Bay World Heritage area, the Abrolhos Islands and the Kimberley.

 

https://www.marineconservation.org.au/actions/ningaloo-stop-oil-gas-expansion-plans/?

9 comments

Please sign the petition and post any that you come across that will help save our precious environment from more destruction and pollution, including animal habitats, thanks.

 

Write to your local MPs both state and Federal.  That is a lovely area of the world up there pristin.   Mind you most things in WA are neglected by the Eastern Politicians.

It is sacrelege to have this area mined.

Yes it is sad that Eastern States are not made more aware, the petition will go to some MP's that have the decision in their hands but yes does not hurt to send more emails or phone them. I don't know what companies are behind this either but it would be good to call them or write to them too.

Signed

Signed.

 

Signed!  Mine was 5,403  :)  .. ....(they only wanted 5,000) for the appeal to have consideration ......all helps! 

 

Thanks Foxy, I cannot believe they want to risk a World Heritage area.

... getting to the stage where nothing will be left on the planet that man hasn't destroyed in some way or form! They don't give a "rats" as long as the almighty $$$ is concerned!

(off topic a bit...sorry)  but to do with animals .....today's paper there was a horrific story of what the Thai's are doing to baby elephants!  It was uncovered by the WWF and I wished I hadn't read it!

I am sickened by the cruelty to all animals!  I just hope that "if" there is another "life" somewhere that these AH's come back as the animals they inflicted cruelty upon and have the same thing happen to them until they themselves die!  

If there is a petition re: the elephants please post, they are part of the eco system.

Reading this book at the moment and just the first chapter is mind boggling what we are doing to this planet and we desperately need to change things in the next 10 years otherwise we will face extinction of not just animals and plants but humans too. 

 

Cover image for Surviving the 21st century : humanity's ten great challenges and how we can overcome themSurviving the 21st century : humanity's ten great challenges and how we can overcome them

 

Cribb, Julian,

 

Does this company worry about destroying the environment, fertile agricultural land and cultural areas?

Shenhua Energy has proposed to build an open cut coal mine on the Liverpool Plains near Gunnedah right in the middle of our state’s food bowl. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Shenhua_Energy

The mine will destroy numerous Aboriginal artefacts and sacred sites belonging to the Gomeroi People including grinding grooves showing markings of spears being sharpened for battle, burial sites and sacred trees. 

Dolly Talbot, representing the traditional custodians, the Gomeroi People, has filed proceedings in the Federal Court to have the project’s approval overturned. 

The mine will also destroy 4,000 hectares of fertile agricultural land on the  Liverpool Plains including 800 hectares of koala  habitat and drain massive amounts of precious groundwater.  

The mine will extract 10 million tonnes of coal a year over 30 years despite being in the midst of a climate emergency and declining global demand for coal.

We must stand with the Gomeroi People to stop this mine destroying their sacred sites and cultural heritage. 

PLEASE SIGN PETITION:

https://agreennsw.good.do/gomeroisites/

 

Thanks for letting us all know there are lots of good people out there who care about our precious world.

I spend a lot of time signing and sharing petitions but lately I'm growing tired of the lack of response from our governments and the corporations who make the decisions on these matters. It seems we're buzzing about like blue-arsed flies and they're just laughing at us. I've become very cynical about the lack of voice we Australians have. Plenty of lip service from them, but absolutely no action in the right direction.

At local government level (in NSW), any new major development is required (hand in hand with Council) to hold a public meeting called "public consultation", before they can proceed to changing zoning, etc. I say hand in hand with Council because Council Planners actually speak and present charts and diagrams to the people at the meetings. In every case I have investigated, the deal has already been done with Council, and the meeting is in effect just telling the public what is going to happen. No matter how much of a stink kicked up by the public, the developer's plan just proceeds to the next stage. Deals are done and money exchanged, called some term like "VDC's" (Voluntary Developer Contributions), which are supposed to go to infrastructure like roundabouts or feeder lanes, in lieu of Council incurring a levy on each residential block sold by the developer(s). Once the VDC's are promised, the Council announces the new development, with very little nuance that the money sealed the deal. It is very thinly veiled corruption, in my opinion.

And at the federal level, the government recently set up a "COVID committee" full of fossil fuel corporates, and of course it was no surprise that they recommended we develop gas and fracking to pave the way to economic success post the pandemic. It makes my blood boil.

I know how you feel HooHoo, it is very frustrating, especially at the moment so much is being done behind closed doors, and media is not paying much attention to other topics other than covid. We must keep fighting as much as we can, I continue to sign petitions and put in small submissions here and there (if it is not too hard). There has been wins over the years so that keeps me inspired.

After reading Julian Cribbs book, Surviving the 21st century, I am shocked at how bad things are, but at the same time the solutions are quite simple really, which he talks about. The tide is turning (yes too slowly) but hard to get the dinosaurs to get their head out of the sand and move fast. More women in control will see more nurturing of the planet. The white old guys have done enough damage, now it is time for repair.

 

One recent development was on an Aboriginal massacre site and also middens. The local Elders were consulted but the development went through exactly as the Developer proposed.

Another development had endangered species of flora and fauna. An EIS was done by someone, plus an inundation report by Council's go-to "independent" reporter on such matters. The report was full of cut-and-paste statements and statistics, things like there'd by + or - .1% chance of increased flooding with a 90cm sea level rise! Yes, 3 feet of ocean water won't affect the floodplain, let alone the proposed development! And yet this development proceeded, much more on the flood plain than originally proposed, affecting all landholders, including farms up and downstream. This was originally proposed as a ridge development. Guess what? The Developer owns a farm on the floodplain and will make a motsa.

The Councillors won't be held to account because they'll all be dead by the time climate change increases the ocean by 90cm. Besides, it wasn't them who wrote the 'independent' report, it was a private company who was paid handsomely by Council for doing this important independent analysis.

We need to change all levels of government if we are to stop corporations from taking everything, which is the only long term logical conclussion. They just take more and more, and then more and more. Doesn't matter if it's World Heritage, Sacred Sites, endangered species, they just take more and more. There was even a proposal to mine and hunt in National Parks during Abbott's reign.

 

Thanks. I must read that book, Incognito. I understand the solutions are simple, but how can we make our governments implement them? Or perhaps the real question is: How can we make corporations (the real decision-makers in these times), move to consider people and the environment, before the bottom line...$$$? It's almost an oxymoron.

Yes shocking they can destroy ancient Indigenous sites and then think saying sorry is going to fix it. We need to boycott the companies responsible as much as we can.

We can use purchasing power a lot and I think businesses that come on board with doing their bit will be the ones that prosper in the future.

Councillors are crooks too, they are often only their for their own gains.

The book is really well written, I suggest you borrow it from the library as it is an expensive book, I found it cheapest on Amazon, I borrowed it but want to buy a copy, might wait until price goes down. If your library does not have it listed, put in a purchase request, that is what I do.

Thanks for caring Hoohoo, we are on the same page when it comes to these matters.

Thanks for that info, Incognito.

Perhaps we should spend more time lauding the responsible corporations instead of bashing our heads against the wall at election time? I've come to the conclusion that elections are won and lost by the media (including social media), as so many people are disengaged and thus are easily influenced by fake news.

And since it is corporations telling our governments which way to jump, and how high, and when, maybe changing corporations' behaviour is easier than trying at the ballot box. You are absolutely right - don't spend your money with businesses you don't approve of, like Coles and Woolworths. On that note, I've boycotted Amazon.

Use an ethical power company (one that's not involved in the mining and burning of fossil fuels) and divest from Superannuation funds that invest YOUR money into the fossil fuel industry.

And buy local.

 

Yes have to do what we can via corporations, can you tell me why you boycott Coles, Woolworths and Amazon, where do you get your groceries from? Not that I buy much from them, I mainly eat fruit and veggies and get all that from my organic supplier. I also buy organic dry goods online from small businesses.

Would be good to discuss how we can make changes in our lives with regards to which companies are better than others. I use Red Energy for electricity, don't have gas and have all my money with Bendigo bank (not that I have much). No super.

 

 

Coronavirus Australia: Your COVID-19 questions answeredCoronavirus Australia: Your COVID-19 questions answeredARE OUR BATS AN ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT?

 

 

Can you catch the coronavirus from Australian bats?

The virus behind the pandemic might have genetic roots stretching back to bats in China but in Australia bats won’t give you COVID-19 – it’s not found in any of our wildlife. Still, the virus has fast become a PR disaster for our flying foxes, already hit by a horror six months of food shortages, heatwaves and devastating bushfires.

Bat viruses are only a threat, he says, when our activities push into wildlife habitat. Calls for a cull of the winged mammals by one Victorian Liberal MP have already been dismissed as ridiculous by scientists and Grenfell stresses “culling is not the solution to preventing future spillover events”.

 

https://www.smh.com.au/national/what-s-the-death-rate-how-long-will-it-last-your-covid-19-questions-answered-20200323-p54cy7.html

 

No, our bats are fine -- I agree we should not handle them unless you know what you are doing but they are wonderful pollinators and are well needed -- and they are endangered in many areas -- because of human habitation

The Northern Territory has some of the last healthy tropical coasts in the world -  something to be treasured and protected. But right now, seabed mining corporations are lining up to mine these precious places. 

Destructive seabed mining is like bulldozing the seafloor. This would decimate our marine life like dugongs and turtles, pollute our waters, threaten our fishing and destroy places of cultural significance. 

Seabed mining has never been allowed in Australia before. The NT has a temporary ban, but the protection for our wildlife expires soon in March 2021.

If this happens, mining corporations could exploit some of our most treasured places and be free to extend into other areas of the NT’s coasts. 

The documents obtained under Freedom of Information laws tell a very clear story - seabed mining in the Top End will have unacceptable impacts on the Territory’s unique natural, cultural, economic and fishing values. 

Here are the key findings summarised in our report:

The Top End’s mangroves, seagrasses, tidal flats, coral reefs and estuaries would be devastated by seabed mining in many iconic areas.
 

Marine animals, including threatened species of marine turtles, dolphins, dugongs and migratory shorebirds would suffer from habitat removal and fragmentation, reduced water quality and the general decline in the health of the marine environment. 
 

Indigenous communities in the areas targeted for seabed mining would experience impacts on many aspects of their lives including damage to cultural landscapes and traditional land use.
 

Laws for mining have been designed around land-based mines and are ill-equipped to cope with the very different circumstances of seabed mining in dynamic marine environments.
 

The economic benefits from seabed mining would be relatively small compared to its negative economic impact on tourism, recreational and commercial fishing, and ecosystem services.

The upcoming Territory election presents a unique opportunity to ban seabed mining. This is our chance to ensure all Parties demonstrate leadership when it comes to protecting our coasts.

Instead of opening up the Top End’s coastal waters to a new destructive activity that threatens our wildlife, fishing and culture, let’s reshape the future for our coasts and ban seabed mining for good! 

 

There needs to be a permanent ban is in place.

Incognito is this what you meant to sign as there was nowhere that enabled me to sign

Yes I think that is the one I signed, thanks PlanB for caring. These mining companies just don't care about destroying all the remaining beauty of this planet. We need to change direction asap into sustainable and renewable resources before it is all destroyed and nothing is natural anymore.

 

 

Yes that is a pristine area for sure all up around that coast line, the water is clean and clear.

https://www.sharkbay.org/world-heritage/shark-bay-world-heritage-values/

 

There are only two places on the planet left now where Stromatolites are living and if the climate change happens any worse than it has, there won't be any in Western Australia!

A visit to the remarkable Hamelin Pool stromatolites in Western Australia is a must when holidaying in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. The Hamelin Pool stromatolites are oldest and largest living fossils on earth. Stromatolites are considered 'living fossils', part of the Earth's evolutionary history.

Image result for stromatolites in wa

http://www.wanowandthen.com/Wordls-Oldest-Life-Forms.html

 

Shark Bay Flight 4 — Scenic Flight Booker

Even the more reason to protect this special area, it is on my bucket list Celia.

When I went to sign it said it was all done Incognito   (Action Completed)

 

Here is their action page where you can sign all the petitions/send emails:

https://www.marineconservation.org.au/actions/

Use the filter catergory on the right top corner to find petitions.

Thanks Incognito  done

It is unbelievable how the governments can even think of doing such things -- all for the bloody $$$ and lining their pockets -- LEAVE NATURE ALONE

We have a long fight ahead but we have to keep fighting for what is remaining. We have to choose to buy products from companies that care, we cannot wait for Governments who are stuck in the past and are being run by those who keep paying their donations.

YES that's right Incognito -- I do that all the time and always have -- and if we ALL stand up for what we believe -- there are more of us than there are of them -- trouble is there is a lot that doesn't seem to care -- till it is too late    

Darn I never meant that to be ALL underlined

I have nearly finished that book (I posted above, scroll up) and he concludes we need more women in power because they are generally more caring and nuturing and worry about the kids future more. Education for girls is the way to go, women are now having less children and as they get educated more have less and work more for the planet. If you look at all the destructive industries they are all run by men. Not that all men are the same and all women are the same, it is just generally that men destroy more for short term gain and women look wider and further into the future.

Yes I agree, would not be wanting to breath through toxic plastic anyway (especially if they are made in China were use of chemicals is not regulated).

You wonder where all those ones that fell off that ship ended up too.

Thanks for posting this important message Celia, I just reposted it on the mask topic, hope you don't mind.

No I don't mind and I thought you might!

what a devious kit kat you are, I thought you were in hospital!

I agree and there will be more plastic and such since this darn virus -- even my chemist puts all my scripts in a zip lock every time -- which I thoroughly wash instead of throwing away

People who don't wear masks are an environmental threat to Australia

Don't Forget Your Mask! by Elena Baryshkina on Dribbble

Geez you don't let up do you, you are the threat to Australia because you do not like anyone having different opinions to yourself, not too mention obsessed with memes of face masks.

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