PERTH, Thursday 23 April 2026 — Greenpeace activists have interrupted Woodside’s 2026 AGM to directly challenge the fossil fuel giant’s plans to drill for gas at Scott Reef.
A choir of Greenpeace Australia Pacific activists have disrupted multinational fossil fuel corporation Woodside’s AGM to protest the company’s Browse gas drilling proposal and associated risks to nearby Scott Reef.
Activists caused prolonged disruption to CEO Liz Westcott’s address with a ‘Save Scott Reef’ rendition of Australian Crawl’s iconic 1983 song ‘Reckless (Don’t Be So)’, revived in 2024 by Angie McMahon’s cover for Triple J’s ‘Like A Version’.
The McMahon cover directly referenced Woodside’s controversial gas operation, and linked the Aussie anthem to the nation-wide campaign against Woodside’s climate and nature-wrecking plans at Scott Reef.
Hidden speakers amplified whale song during the meeting in reference to endangered pygmy blue whales that rely on the waters surrounding Scott Reef as a migratory pathway and feeding ground.
Several activists were escorted out of the meeting by security while singing and holding up “Hands off Scott Reef” signs that had been smuggled into the room.
Charlie Mgee, musician and songwriter, from Greenpeace Australia Pacific, who participated in the disruption, said:
“Woodside needs to face the music and admit that its plans to drill for gas at Scott Reef are completely reckless—an unmitigated disaster for a significant marine ecosystem.
“I was willing to disrupt the Woodside AGM because the stakes are too high for precious Scott Reef and its wildlife.
“Given the undeniable warning signs associated with this project, the Western Australian and Federal Governments have the power to stop this destructive project in its tracks and Save Scott Reef.”
Following the protest choir’s exit from the meeting, David Ritter, CEO at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, directly challenged Woodside’s incoming CEO and Board Chair for the risks to Scott Reef and wildlife, such as green sea turtles and pygmy blue whales.
“Woodside’s new CEO Liz Westcott openly admitted to shareholders today that Woodside’s licence to operate depends on protecting the environment. But the more than half a million Australians who have signed the stop Woodside petition could not be clearer: This licence is revoked,” said Mr Ritter.
“Despite the evidence from independent marine experts that Woodside’s altered management plans for the impacts of Browse on whale and turtle populations are simply cosmetic, and despite Woodside’s professed regard for Scott Reef, the company refuses to admit that it is simply not safe to drill for gas in fragile marine habitat.
“Greenpeace’s campaign to save Scott Reef from Woodside’s dirty gas continues. Together with our million-strong supporter base, we will continue to amp up the pressure on WA Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn and Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt to say no to Woodside’s Browse project.”
Greenpeace also joined the Save Scott Reef Alliance and hundreds of community members in a protest held before the Woodside AGM on Thursday, 23 April 2026.
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High-res images and footage of this morning’s protests before and during the Woodside AGM, plus an audio recording of the Save Scott Reef anthem will be uploaded here.
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]
