BP's Disaster Down Under

Australians continue to raise their barbie sticks to say "no" to the proposed liquified natural gas (LNG) plant in the country's pristine, untouched Kimberley region, off its west coast.

Currently, the massive area's sprinkling of residents enjoy the company of endangered marine life, including snubfin dolphins, sawfish, turtles, dugongs and lots of fish. They are also fortunate to host the world's largest population of humpback whales. One of the endangered species endemic to this region is flatback turtles, with approximately 1,000 of them nesting annually at an island off the coast.

However, the unspoiled, delicate environment could soon be over-run with visitors from unsavory entities such as Woodside Petroleum, Chevron, Shell, BP and BHP Billiton. If one remembers our Gulf of Mexico disaster last summer, it's obvious that these companies aren't exactly ocean-friendly neighbors.

As I previously wrote, these oil and gas conglomerates are trying to build a $30 billion LNG plant in the Kimberley region. If built, the facility would threaten the endangered species of this region, would drain and pollute local water sources and produce millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions. The cash-flush companies are trying to entice locals with $1 billion (AUD) in payments to build, but the locals prize their environment so much they are not accepting the cash.

Indeed, although it's an remote outpost in the land of Oz, the impacts of this plant would reverberate globally. Taking a cue from its friends on Australia's east coast around the Great Barrier Reef, this region is looking opportunity to one day reap eco-tourism benefits, too. Ironically, the much heralded international marine gem on the continent's east coast was established after Australians successfully defeated a proposed oil and gas development there in the 1970s. The Great Barrier Reef now generates nearly $7 billion (AUD) annually, through sustainable activities, such as tourism.

The Australian Minister of the Environment, Tony Burke, is receiving public comments about the proposed LNG development until March 8th. Take this opportunity to sign this petition, urging him to not approve the plant and protect this pristine region.

Additionally, contact him a second time to urge him to support the establishment of marine parks in Australia's southwest. Indeed, the establishment of marine sanctuaries further down the coast is critical to protecting the marine life in other areas, such as the Kimberley. A global effort to stop the LNG plant, coupled with the positive development of marine sanctuaries up and down the wild western coast, will be significant in protecting endangered species and helping to establish a sustainable eco-tourism industry Down Under.