Santos plan threatens WA coastline and marine life, critics say
Conservation groups are launching a campaign against a proposal by South Australian oil and gas company Santos to drill exploration wells in the Bedout Basin off the coast of Port Hedland.
According to Santos’ own modeling submitted to regulator NOPSEMA, the worst-case scenario for hydrocarbon spills could reach as far south as Shark Bay or several hundred kilometers south of Timor-Leste, affecting sensitive national and World Heritage sites such as Ningaloo Reef, Murujuga and Rowley Shoals.
Santos wants to explore the Bedout basin.Credit: Fairfax Media
Santos plans to drill up to seven exploration wells in the basin, which it says could have “the potential to be the next major liquids-rich gas-led development offshore Western Australia” in its August 2025 environmental plan, which is now open for public comment.
Conservation Council WA made a submission to offshore gas industry regulator NOPSEMA urging it to reject Santos’ plans due to the dangers of an oil spill.
Santos model showing worst-case scenario oil spills (highlighted by blue line).Credit: Santos
“Santos is seeking permission to drill near some of our most iconic Marine Parks and approximately 40 kilometers from Rowley Shoals Marine Park,” CCWA chief executive Matt Roberts said.
“The Environmental Plan submitted by Santos to NOPSEMA indicates that oil spills from the Bedout project could have serious impacts on waterways and coastlines, potentially affecting World Heritage Sites including Shark Bay and the Murujuga Coastal Landscape, as well as coral reefs including Ningaloo, Rowley Shoals and Scott Reef.
“Santos is at risk of oil spill explosions in an area stretching from Shark Bay past Broome almost to East Timor.
“The company’s own Environmental Plan recognizes that this project could impact a long list of endangered species, including blue whales, southern right whales, loggerhead turtles, black sea snakes and numerous seabird and shorebird species.”
