Scott Reef is a pristine coral atoll off the WA coast, home to endangered sea snakes, turtles, and pygmy whales — but it’s under threat from Woodside’s plans to drill for gas. Join us at Parliament House for a screening of Corals’ Last Stand, a powerful new documentary featuring Tim Winton and John Butler, as they journey to protect this extraordinary place. Hosted by Greens MP Sarah Mansfield, the screening will be followed by a post-film Q&A with Mitch Pope (OCEAN), Susie Byers (Greenpeace) and Piper Rollins (ACF), who features in the film.

Event proceedings

5:15pm: Arrival to parliament, security screening and registration (please bring photo ID - a staff member will accompany you to the South Library)
5:15-5:30pm: Light refreshments and connection
5:30pm: Welcome and housekeeping, Sarah Mansfield MP
5:35pm: Corals Last Stand screening (28mins)
6:05pm: Panel discussion and Q&A
7pm: Community calls to action/event close

Film synopsis

Perched on the edge of the continental shelf, 300km from the Australian mainland lies Scott Reef. This ancient coral atoll, isolated for millions of years from other reef systems and mainland influences, has developed its own sub populations of unique species.

Formed more than 15 million years ago Scott Reef is home to more than 1200 species including endangered seas snakes, green turtles and spectacular corals. Endangered pygmy whales and other rare cetaceans stop at Scott Reef on their annual migrations to feed on the abundant krill. It is one of only a few spots along the west coast of Australia where krill can be found in sufficient quantities to replenish the needs of these large creatures.

But Scott Reef is under threat.

The reef sits on a huge reservoir of gas known as the Browse Basin. Global corporation Woodside and its joint venture partners want to drill for gas and oil under the reef ecosystem. The energy giant wants to sink 50 oil and gas wells in the waters around the unique coral atoll.

Woodside argues that the gas project, which is expected to last till 2070, will help the world decarbonise. But conservationists disagree and say the world already has enough gas to meet global needs in the transition to net zero.

Corals' Last Stand follows the voyage of a team of prominent Australians including author Tim Winton and musician John Butler as they travel to the reef to bring worldwide attention to the impact that drilling will have on this special place. This half hour documentary asks whether Australia can really afford to exploit this gas reserve in a time of growing community concern at rising global temperatures. And if it does will Scott Reef and the life it supports be the collateral damage of that decision?

You can find more information and full credits for the film here.

This event has been supported and coordinated by the office of Sarah Mansfield MP. Sarah is the deputy leader of the Victorian Greens and Member for Western Victoria. She is honoured to work alongside passionate organisations and communities against the threats of offshore gas in Australia.

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