World · East Asia & Pacific · 41 mins ago
Two activists in custody after protest at Woodside gas platform
Two Greenpeace activists were taken into police custody after occupying a Woodside gas platform offshore Western Australia.
Four protesters travelled to the platform, about 200 kilometres from the coast, and two stayed there overnight.
The protest opposed Woodside's planned gas development at Scott Reef, an area environmental groups say should be protected.
Police arrived by helicopter on Sunday, and Greenpeace said the activists left their equipment before being detained.
Woodside paused pre-commissioning work on its Scarborough gas project after the unauthorised access disrupted operations.
The company said the protest put activists and staff at risk, while Greenpeace said its activists were trained and safety was taken seriously.
Greenpeace says it is increasing activism in response to Woodside's planned Browse project and rising community concern.
Two people were taken into police custody after occupying a Woodside gas platform about 200 kilometres off Western Australia’s coast.
The Greenpeace protest disrupted operations at the rig, part of Woodside’s Scarborough natural gas project.
Greenpeace said four protesters travelled to the platform early Saturday, and two occupied it in temporary hanging tents.
Woodside said pre-commissioning activities had been paused after the unauthorised access.
The protest opposed Woodside’s planned gas project at Scott Reef and its Browse project.
- Who
- Two Greenpeace activists were taken into police custody.
- What
- They occupied a Woodside gas platform in a protest against the company’s gas operations.
- When
- The protesters arrived early Saturday; the two activists were taken into custody on Sunday.
- Where
- At an offshore Woodside platform about 200 kilometres off Western Australia’s coast.
- Why
- They were protesting Woodside’s planned gas project at Scott Reef and its gas developments.
Woodside
Greenpeace Australia Pacific
Safety and legality
Woodside
Woodside said the activists accessed the platform unlawfully and endangered themselves and staff.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific
Greenpeace said its activists were highly trained and experienced, and that care was taken for everyone’s health, safety and welfare.
Purpose and response
Woodside
Woodside said the protest triggered a significant, potentially costly response and disrupted operations.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific
Greenpeace said its actions reflected rising community concern about Woodside’s planned Browse project.
Greenpeace said four protesters travelled to the platform, where two set up temporary hanging tents.
Greenpeace said special police forces landed a helicopter on the platform.
Greenpeace said the two activists were taken into police custody.
- People in custody
- 2 activists
- Protest group
- Greenpeace Australia Pacific
- Platform location
- About 200 kilometres off Western Australia’s coast
- Scarborough project value
- $12.5 billion
- Protest arrival
- Early Saturday morning
5 sources
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What people are saying
The activists' conduct is not peaceful. It is dangerous, reckless and illegal.
Pre-commissioning activities at Scarborough have been paused as part of routine procedures following the unauthorised access,
There is no question that our activities are increasing to match this reckless threat of Woodside.