Media alert: Fremantle residents and climate campaigners occupy MP Josh Wilson’s office to demand Labor reject Woodside’s North West Shelf

What: Sit in protest in opposition to North West Shelf extension

Where: Office 12, Level 1 Manning Building, 135 High Street Mall, Fremantle WA 6160

When: 10 am, Tuesday May 20

An alliance of campaigners from groups including Disrupt Burrup Hub, Grandparents for Climate Action and Voices for Climate have staged a sit-in at the office of Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson to demand the Labor government reject Woodside’s North West Shelf proposal at the Burrup Hub.

It comes as new Environment Minister Murray Watt arrives in Perth, having adopted Peter Dutton’s decision of rushing an approval decision on the North West Shelf within 30 days of the election. Minister Watt has indicated he plans to make a decision before May 31.

Around a dozen Fremantle residents and climate campaigners entered Mr Wilson’s office at 10 am this morning and are sitting in the foyer, refusing to move.

Josh Wilson experienced a 16% swing against him at the federal election, almost losing his seat to an independent candidate who campaigned heavily against the North West Shelf extension.

Disrupt Burrup Hub campaigner and 26-year-old Emma said inside Wilson’s office:

“We are here to say Josh Wilson’s government must block Woodside’s North West Shelf extension at the Burrup Hub.

“Woodside’s North West Shelf will emit billions of tonnes of pollution and drive up our cost of living.

“Labor has no more excuses.

“They have a majority government. The Liberals have been wiped out. The election result proved that they do not have to fear the wrath of the Kerry Stokes or Murdoch media.

“There is absolutely nothing standing in the way of Josh Wilson, new Environment Minister Murray Watt and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese from doing the right thing and choosing to protect our future and planet, over the bank accounts of Woodside shareholders. 

“Woodside’s Burrup Hub will release more than 6 billion tonnes of carbon pollution.

“More gas exports will damage our climate, destroy our nature, desecrate sacred heritage and rip off Australians.

“Josh Wilson almost lost his seat because of Woodside’s North West Shelf. The people of Fremantle won’t give him any more chances if this project is given approval.

“Any tiny inch of climate credibility the Federal Labor Party had left will be destroyed if this project is approved in any shape or form — for any period of time.

“For the sake of our future and our planet, it simply must not proceed. 

“Josh Wilson: This is your opportunity to finally do the right thing, secure your legacy and stop 6 billion tonnes of carbon pollution. Good luck and don’t fuck it up.”