Two Greenpeace activists charged after offshore rig protest

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 06:31 · Archive

Two Greenpeace activists have been charged after scaling an offshore drilling platform at Woodside's Scarborough gas site in Western Australia.

Two Greenpeace activists were arrested after scaling Woodside's Scarborough gas platform on Saturday morning. They gained access to the 70,000-tonne floating installation at around 5:45am and spent the night there before being removed by authorities and transported to the mainland.

The activists were protesting what Greenpeace says are environmental threats to Scott Reef. They have been charged with interfering with offshore petroleum installations or operations, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment. They are due to appear before Karratha Magistrates Court on Monday.

Greenpeace said the pair are 'safe and in good spirits' and described the protest as 'safe and peaceful', stating the activists were 'highly trained and experienced'. The group said it 'takes responsibility for our actions and stands behind our activists through the course of this process'. Woodside condemned the action as 'dangerous, reckless and illegal', rejecting claims it was peaceful and saying it endangered the activists themselves, Woodside staff, contractors and law enforcement responders. The Australian Border Force warned that unauthorised access to offshore petroleum facilities 'can place both trespassers and workers at significant risk'.

How it is being reported

• Activists face prison time after Woodside gas rig stuntTwo Greenpeace activists who scaled an offshore drilling platform located off the coast of Western Australia have been charged.Perth Now · 19 Oct, 06:19
• Activists face prison time after Woodside gas rig stuntTwo Greenpeace activists who scaled an offshore drilling platform located off the coast of Western Australia have been charged.The West Australian · 19 Oct, 06:19

In this story: Greenpeace · Woodside · Scarborough gas site · Scott Reef · Karratha · Western Australia

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