Fracking projects planned for Western Australia’s Kimberley pose an even greater threat after the Cook Government passed legislation to weaken the Environmental Protection Authority.
The reforms, which passed WA’s parliament today will:
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Allow the government to “fast track” projects it wants to prioritise, potentially bypassing much needed scrutiny.
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Remove appeal rights where the EPA has determined a project does not require environmental assessment.
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Allow mining industry representatives on the EPA’s board.
The legislation’s passing comes after the Cook Government revealed it would also strip the EPA of its capacity to assess projects’ greenhouse gas emissions.
Lock the Gate Alliance WA Coordinator Claire McKinnon said the legislation weakened the EPA and damaged its independence at a time when a strong and objective environmental watchdog was most needed.
“Multinational oil and gas companies like Black Mountain are progressing dangerous and polluting fracking projects that would lay waste to the Kimberley and decimate the unique and threatened species that call it home.
“These companies want to pulverise the Kimberley’s spectacular natural landscape, turning it into a pockmarked moonscape with thousands of gas wells just like the West Texas frack fields.
“The burning of fossil fuels is supercharging the climate crisis. Parts of WA are on track to become unliveable. Instead of protecting communities from this extremely serious threat, the WA Government is doing the bidding of the gas industry. The weakening of the EPA will damn WA communities to a hotter, dangerously unstable climate.
“If ever there was a need for a strong, independent EPA, it’s now. Instead, the Cook Government has totally rolled over for the gas industry and has ripped the teeth out of the EPA. This is a sad day for Western Australia.”
ENDS