Two Greenpeace activists are set to face court today after a daring, high-stakes protest that saw them occupy an offshore gas platform 200 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia.
The men, aged 48 and 52, were arrested yesterday afternoon after spending the night on the Scarborough gas rig. In a joint statement, the Australian Border Force, WA Police, and the national offshore petroleum regulator (NOPSEMA) confirmed that both men have been charged with “interfering with offshore petroleum installations or operations.” The charge is severe, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
The protest began on Saturday morning when the activists scaled the infrastructure and unfurled a massive banner reading, “Stop Woodside’s dirty gas.” The banner also featured a plea to “Save Scott Reef,” the site of Woodside’s controversial $48.7 billion Browse gas project.
Woodside confirmed that operations at the platform were forced to halt due to the occupation, which the energy giant deemed a major security concern.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the state government. Western Australian Premier Roger Cook condemned the action as a “dangerous act,” arguing that it compromised the safety of the activists and the workers stationed on the rig.
“We want to obviously encourage people to express their views and have the right to protest, but you have to do it in a peaceful and respectful way,” Mr. Cook said.
Greenpeace has staunchly defended the protest, insisting it was peaceful and necessary to highlight the environmental risks of new fossil fuel extraction. Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO David Ritter noted that advocacy groups are intensifying their actions in response to mounting public alarm over climate change and the industrialization of pristine marine environments.
The tension spilled over into Perth this morning, as protesters gathered outside Woodside’s headquarters. Activists presented a 47-metre-long petition they claim contains half a million signatures, demanding the protection of Scott Reef.
“We are here to show Woodside that they can’t ignore half a million people who want Scott Reef protected, not turned into an industrialised gas zone,” Mr. Ritter said during the demonstration.
The timing of the protest is significant, coinciding with the Global Citizen Now conference in Perth. The event has brought together industry leaders and government officials to deliberate on energy access and the transition to clean energy—a transition that environmental groups argue must exclude new projects like those currently proposed by Woodside.
As the two men prepare to face the Karratha Magistrates Court, authorities say investigations into the breach of the offshore facility remain ongoing. Woodside has been contacted for further comment regarding the operational disruptions and the ongoing campaign against its developments.
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