The Australian Greens have criticized the federal government for yielding to pressure from Woodside regarding protections for the ancient Murujuga rock art. Recent findings show that the Cook Western Australian government misrepresented the damage caused by the gas plant related to Woodside’s North West Shelf project.
A “statement of reasons” document revealed that conditions imposed by the WA Labor government weren’t enough to prevent harm to the rock art, which is recognized as a World Heritage site. Despite this, federal Labor approved a 40-year extension for Woodside, raising concerns about the influence of the gas industry on government decisions.
Greens Leader Senator Larissa Waters expressed frustration over the situation. She stated that the document highlights how the Labor government allowed Woodside to dictate terms at the cost of both rock art and climate safety. Waters pointed out that it is concerning when corporate interests take precedence over protecting cultural heritage and the environment.
“This shows a failure of our environmental laws,” she argued. If these rules allow for the destruction of irreplaceable sites and harm to the climate, then they need serious reform. Waters emphasized that until the federal government creates strong environmental laws and establishes an independent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), decisions will continue to favor industry over environmental protection.
Adding historical context, it’s worth noting that environmental movements in Australia have long battled against corporate interests. As recently as 2020, a similar standoff occurred in Juukan Gorge, where mining operations led to the destruction of a site sacred to the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura peoples. The backlash from that incident galvanized public sentiment about protecting Indigenous heritage and the environment.
Recent surveys indicate that public awareness of environmental issues is at an all-time high. A report found that 75% of Australians believe the government should prioritize environmental protection over economic growth. This shift in public opinion highlights the increasing demand for accountability from leaders in environmental matters.
As this situation unfolds, many are taking to social media to voice their concerns about these decisions, trending hashtags advocating for stronger protections and environmental reform. This growing momentum may push lawmakers to reevaluate the balance between economic interests and environmental sustainability.
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