Western Australia’s peak environment and sustainability group the Conservation Council of WA welcomed a decision by the Federal Government to reject Apache Energy’s application to undertake seismic exploration within the Ningaloo World Heritage area.
“This is a commonsense decision because the Ningaloo World Heritage Area is not the right place for oil development,” said CCWA Marine Coordinator Tim Nicol.
The timing of the proposal also coincides with the breeding season for endangered loggerhead turtles.
“We know very little about the impacts of seismic testing on a whole range of marine species, including sea turtles,” said Mr Nicol , “Clearly these are risks that do not belong in a World Heritage Area or near our precious Ningaloo Reef.
“The eventual outcome sought by oil companies when they explore for oil is to drill for oil, and oil drilling so close to Ningaloo is also an unacceptable risk.”
Some oil exploration and drilling already occurs nearby to Ningaloo Reef and is increasingly encroaching on the area. The reef is now surrounded by oil and gas exploration leases but most are yet to get approvals to undertake exploration or production.
Mr Nicol said, “ Ningaloo Reef is already being put at risk by nearby oil exploration, and every new well increases the risk of an oil spill that could cause irreparable damage to Ningaloo, adding to the cumulative damage to the region and its wildlife.
“Today’s decision to declare the world heritage area itself off limits to oil is an important first step to taking control of the oil industry in this special area and prioritising the protection of the reef.”
[mappress] Press Release, January 15, 2013