Mining and Petroleum

24 March, 2016

WA Greens Mines and Petroleum spokesperson Robin Chapple MLC said he was disappointed by comments from Opposition Leader Mark McGowan that suggested Labor supported onshore LNG processing near Karratha.

“Mr McGowan last week suggested Woodside’s Browse LNG project could have been underway years ago with an onshore processing plant near Karratha, originally earmarked for the Burrup Peninsula,” Mr Chapple said.

“It is extremely disappointing to learn that both major parties continue to support the desecration of some of Australia’s, arguably the world’s, most significant Aboriginal rock carvings.

“We have already lost so much of the Burrup to industry – as much as 11% or over 10,000 carvings – surely what remains is worth protecting to the highest possible standard; a World Heritage Listing.

“To the best of my knowledge, Woodside has investigated potentially piping gas to the Burrup on a number of occasions previously and found it to be fiscally untenable. 

“The WA Greens do not support any new development on the Burrup Peninsula whatsoever; the long-term benefits of protecting this site far outweigh any others, particularly from a dying fossil fuel industry.”

For comment please contact Media Liaison Tim Oliver on 0431 9696 25 or 9486 8255.

Thursday, March 17

WA Greens Mines and Petroleum spokesperson Robin Chapple MLC said he was extremely disappointed by the government’s response to a parliamentary inquiry on fracking.

“The government has taken an already weak, and in my opinion inadequate, set of recommendations from committee and effectively rendered them useless,” Mr Chapple said.

“Western Australia is in a unique position where we can take advantage of other experiences in regulating the hydraulic fracturing industry, and learn from the plethora of mistakes that have been made in other parts of Australia and indeed, around the world.

“It is disappointing, and in fact terrifying, to learn that this government is then willing to bat for this industry without any kind of willingness to ensure we do not make the same mistakes.

“In particular I am shocked with the government’s failure to support recommendation 3, requiring the Department of Mines and Petroleum to refer all fracking proposals on the Environmental Protection Agency.

“But also disheartened by failure to support recommendations protecting landowner’s rights, and banning the use of BTEX chemicals in the hydraulic fracturing process.

“It’s 2016; we should be focusing on energy alternatives and divestment from fossil fuels

“The WA Greens do not support hydraulic fracturing for unconventional gas in Western Australia in the current legislative environment and would like to see greater consideration of the implications of this industry for our state and our future.”

 For comment please contact Media Liaison Tim Oliver on 0431 9696 25 or 9486 8255.

Friday, 04 December

WA Greens MLC Robin Chapple yesterday introduced a Mining Act amendment bill that would give communities the power to reject mining proposals within their local government area through planning schemes.

“The purpose of this bill is to address community concerns about the capacity of the Mining Act to override local or regional planning schemes, essentially handing power back to the people,” Mr Chapple said.

“Proposals to mine, and refine, bauxite in the Avon Hills area, and all along the Darling Scarp, have prompted me to bring this bill forward.

“There has been massive community opposition to those proposals from residents in the Shires of Mundaring, Northam and Toodyay who believe – and I strongly agree – that to mine in the Perth Hills so close to the metropolitan area would be both socially and environmentally irresponsible.

“However, there are other significant mining threats to communities across our state – particularly from the fledgling unconventional gas industry – and I hope this bill will also empower other communities who are in opposition to invasive mining activities.

“This Bill delivers to local communities, with the concurrence of the Minister for Planning, the power to reflect in their planning schemes what land uses they want without the Mining Act’s power of veto rendering such schemes merely advisory.”

For comment please contact Media Liaison Tim Oliver on 0431 9696 25 or 9486 8255.

Friday, 20 November

WA Greens spokesperson on Mines and Petroleum Robin Chapple MLC claims a report tabled yesterday into the unconventional gas industry doesn’t go far enough in addressing known issues with the industry.

“Areas where fracking is proposed in Western Australia include some of our most fragile groundwater reserves, fertile farmlands and pristine and threatened ecosystems,” Mr Chapple said.

“Rather than properly address evidence and historical experiences with the industry, both from the East Coast and from other countries, this report perpetuates the myth that fracking is ultimately a pretty safe industry; this is false.

“Not only is this an extremely dangerous industry, but it is also unnecessary; Western Australia has no need for gas and contrary to what this government will have you believe, we are not a major exporter either.

“Furthermore, there is overwhelming community opposition towards the industry in the very places that exploration permits have been granted. Indeed, many of these communities have declared themselves ‘gasfield free’ with close to 100% support.

“All I see is a puppet government who continues to do the bidding of multinational mining corporations without care or consequence.”

For comment please Media Liaison Tim Oliver on 0431 9696 25 or 9486 8255.