PROGRESS UPDATE!

Gascoyne Gateway industrial port proposal facing strong opposition from Exmouth locals

The latest: A company called Gascoyne Gateway wants to build an industrial deepwater port near Exmouth. Yes, you read that correctly! The project would involve the construction of a causeway and pylon wharf about 1km long, and dredging of seabed habitat. It would attract massive ships (such as cruise liners, oil and gas support vessels, bulk cargo carriers and fuel tankers) deep into the Gulf. The more we learn about this proposal, the more concerned we are about it – and so are scientists, Exmouth locals and tourist operators. You can find out more here about the wildlife and habitats at risk.

Meanwhile, directly across the Gulf from Exmouth in a remote area that is completely undeveloped, a global multinational called K+S Group proposes to construct a large salt production and barging operation which poses risks to the significant environmental values of this area.

This all means that despite the amazing news about Subsea 7, our work isn’t over, but it’s heartening to know that for now, our voices are being heard.

Click here for more on recent developments.

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Image: Heron Point, Exmouth Gulf. Andre Rerekura

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Protect Ningaloo is a grassroots initiative by ordinary people who are inspired by one of the world’s last great places and want to protect it.

Who are we?

We are supported by an alliance of community groups and charities. Cape Conservation Group is a volunteer organization based in Exmouth. The Conservation Council of WA is the state’s premier environmental NGO. The Australian Marine Conservation Society is the nation’s peak marine charity. All of these groups were members of the historic Save Ningaloo Reef campaign that ran from 2000-2005. We’re supported by scientists, researchers, tourism operators, rec-fishers, birders and enthusiastic amateur nature lovers from all over the world. We’re short of time and we’re in the fight of our lives but we hope you’ll feel the passion and help us however you can.

What do we want?

We want to put the welfare of the Reef, the Range and the Gulf first in all development decisions. We’re determined to protect and preserve the extraordinary ecosystems that make up the Ningaloo Region. But to do that we need to restore some precautionary principles to coastal planning locally. We need to tell the WA and Commonwealth governments that Ningaloo’s Nursery needs protection not industrialisation. We want to celebrate a wonder of the world and save it from degradation. The only way we’ll achieve that is to get the news out and rally the passion of people like you. Protect Ningaloo supports a sustainable, creative future for the region.

Learn More

Ningaloo’s Nursery

It’s where humpback whales come to give birth and nurse their calves. It’s a playground for humans, too, supporting the sustainable eco-tourism hub of Exmouth. This is where you go to see dugongs, manta rays and leaping whales. But now a number of companies want to open the Gulf to industry. Proposals that would never be contemplated at the Reef are now being actively promoted for Exmouth Gulf.

New threats from deepwater port and industrial salt production

While Subsea 7 has withdrawn its plans to build a large pipeline fabrication facility and towing operation in Exmouth Gulf, the Gulf is still under threat from industrialisation.

Gascoyne Gateway Ltd wants to build a major deepwater port south of Exmouth and on the other side of the Gulf, multinational, K+S Salt is looking to develop a massive salt production and barging facility over a tidal wetlands system which is of great importance for habitat and wildlife conservation. Follow the above links to find out more about the threats these projects pose to the Gulf’s globally significant environment.

Industrial development would damage the region’s natural assets and eco-tourism brand, and threaten jobs in the tourism industry. It’s so important that we do everything we can to protect the vulnerable Ningaloo-Exmouth Gulf ecosystem from one industrial development proposal after another.

Di Morrissey

“I’m proud to continue supporting the protectors of our precious Ningaloo coastline. If we don’t act NOW, it will be too late. Make sure you tell your grandchildren that YOU stood up for country!”

Roger Swainston

“The southern Exmouth Gulf is a very special place. It’s a rare and valuable combination; untouched, still largely unknown and right on our doorstep. As a vital part of the whole World Heritage Ningaloo ecosystem we must preserve and protect its integrity. We cannot allow its vast uninterrupted spaces, its great sweeping shallows and the life they nurture to be destroyed by allowing industrial develop in this precious southern gulf.”

Missy Higgins

“The world is losing wild places fast and Ningaloo is one of the last we have. So let’s defend Ningaloo’s Nursery from industrialisation. Join protectningaloo.org.au.”

Ben Elton

“When will we say enough is enough? Short term profit for a few and a deceptively small (and short term) contribution to jobs and the local economy are a pretty poor trade off for what is left of our natural world. The only answer is renewable energy and a halt to this insane planetary vandalism. We do not inherit the Earth from our parents, we borrow it from our children.”

Fiona Stanley

“It’s important that we have a long-term vision that ensures our children have a healthy and sustainable future, and to do that we need to protect our natural environment from pollution, degradation and industrial pressure. Safeguarding precious ecosystems like Exmouth Gulf is vital. Our children’s futures are at stake.”

John Butler

“Almost twenty years ago we stood together to protect our precious Ningaloo Reef from industrialization, and once again we’re being called to do the same Ningaloo’s nursery in Exmouth Gulf. We the Australian community have to protect our natural wonders from a fossil fuel industry that’s had its day and should make way for renewables.”

Bernard Fanning

“Ningaloo is precious, and so is the Gulf that keeps it alive. Fight for Exmouth Gulf.”

Peter Garrett

“Ningaloo Reef is a miracle and a gift. It’s one of the last great wild places left on earth, so why would anyone put Ningaloo’s nursery at risk? Don’t let it happen. Protect Ningaloo!”

Superego

“This stretch of the West Australian coast is extremely special. Each of us travelled to Ningaloo as kids with our families. It evokes such warm nostalgia. The magic must be preserved for future generations. Fight for the Exmouth Gulf and Ningaloo!”

Luc Longley

“I was proud to be a part of Save Ningaloo back in the day, and I’m still proud to support Protect Ningaloo. The Gulf needs more protection, not more pressure.”

Tim Winton

“Australians love Ningaloo and they’ll fight for it. 100,000 of them proved that back in 2003 and they made history. Once they hear what’s being planned for Ningaloo’s Nursery they’ll rise up and do it again.”

Our Patron

Tim Winton

Australia’s most famous author, and listed as a Living Treasure by the National Trust, Tim Winton has been a conservation advocate for 25 years, and was prominent in the historic Save Ningaloo Campaign in the 2000s.

“I’m proud to support these passionate Australians fighting for a place we all love. I hope you’ll help them out to Protect Ningaloo and save Exmouth Gulf.”