Greenpeace calls on Environment Ministers to reject reckless Scott Reef drilling plans at Woodside AGM
PERTH, Thursday 23 April 2026 — Greenpeace Australia Pacific is calling on the WA and Federal Environment Ministers to slap down Woodside’s reckless plans to drill for gas at Scott Reef.
As Woodside holds its 2026 AGM at Crown Towers in Perth, Greenpeace, alongside the Save Scott Reef Alliance and hundreds of community members, will stage a protest calling on the WA and Federal governments to protect Scott Reef and reject the multinational fossil fuel corporation’s Browse gas drilling proposal on the doorstep of endangered whale and turtle habitat.
Due to speak outside Woodside’s AGM and participate as a proxy shareholder, David Ritter, CEO of Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “Woodside’s plan to drill for gas at the pristine, magnificent Scott Reef is a disaster waiting to happen.
“Newly appointed CEO Liz Westcott has been handed a poisoned chalice—one of the most controversial and ill-advised fossil fuel projects in Australia’s history—and now has to convince the WA and Federal Environment Ministers, shareholders and the community, that the project is not a toxic disaster waiting to be unleashed.
“The WA Environmental Protection Authority made an initial finding that Woodside’s plans to drill up to 57 wells near Scott Reef, home to nesting sea turtles, endangered pygmy blue whales and other endangered species, posed unacceptable risks to marine wildlife. Independent experts have now said that Woodside’s resubmitted plans still fail to address these risks—including potentially extinction-level harm—to whales and turtles.
“Woodside also plans to dump carbon pollution under the seabed as part of this monster project—a process that would likely involve repeated seismic blasting over the next 39 years, which can deafen whales, near Scott Reef.
“More than half a million Australians have called on the government to stop this nature and climate-wrecking project, in favour of a clean energy future for WA and the nation.
“Greenpeace and our partners are calling on WA Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn and Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt to reject Woodside’s Browse proposal and protect Scott Reef once and for all.
“Protecting Scott Reef by rejecting Woodside’s appalling plans would be a legacy moment for the WA and Federal Labor governments—building foundations for the cleaner economy of the future, and safeguarding the oceans and wildlife that are part of our identity and all Australians cherish.”
—ENDS—
High-res images and footage of this morning’s protest will be uploaded here after the protest.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Emma Sangalli on 0431 513 465 or [email protected]
Contact details:
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Emma Sangalli on 0431 513 465 or [email protected]