Kevin Parker, Hugh Jackman, Paul Kelly, Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes and G Flip are among the 150-plus artists who have signed an open letter pushing for a famous reef to be saved from oil and gas drilling plans.
The open letter calls on Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt to save Scott Reef, 270 kilometres from the Kimberley coast of Western Australia, which is at risk of having up to 57 wells being drilled in it by Woodside. According to a release on Monday, the project is forecast to emit 1.6 billion tonnes of climate pollution.
Other names who have signed the letter include 5 Seconds of Summer, Missy Higgins, Ninajirachi, Jessica Mauboy, actors Simon Baker and Rebel Wilson, Amy Shark, Peter Garrett, Tim Minchin and Darren Hayes.
“Scott Reef is an ancient coral reef off WA’s Kimberley coast, home to endangered whales, vulnerable turtles and hundreds of other marine species,” Higgins said.
“Woodside’s plans to drill up to 57 wells under and around it put this extraordinary place at risk. We need to preserve these beautiful places for our kids. If not now, then when?”
Mauboy added: “Caring for Country means caring for our oceans and all the life they hold. Places like Scott Reef are precious, and we have a responsibility to protect them for future generations. I’m adding my voice to the call to protect Scott Reef and keep it safe from gas drilling.”
Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker has previously protested against Woodside. Earlier this year during a show in the US, Parker, the Fremantle Dockers’ number one ticket holder, wore a jersey with the logo of oil and gas company covered by black tape.
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Woodside has been a sponsor of the Dockers since 2010 and, in 2024, renewed a deal to stay on until at least 2027.
Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, Hannah Schuch, said she is heartened to see so many Australian artists come together for the cause.
“Scott Reef is an iconic, irreplaceable piece of Australian nature, and Woodside’s plans to drill 57 toxic wells and turn Scott Reef into an industrialised gas zone risk threatened species and this unique, ancient ecosystem.
“Murray Watt and the Albanese Government have an opportunity to make history and write their legacy: save Scott Reef and stop Woodside’s reckless gas plans. Australia is watching.”
Read the open letter here.
