Woodside opposition expressed at protest

Woodside’s new chief executive Peter Coleman may not have been anywhere nearby but a group of passionate protestors had a few messages for him outside the company’s local office last Friday.

Through spokeswoman Robyn Wells, the protestors told media and bystanders they were alarmed by Mr Coleman’s appointment.

Ms Wells said his track record included working with Exxon Mobil, the oil and gas company responsible for the disastrous Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska in 1989.

“This man has a track record of industrialising areas of wilderness in Alaska,” she said.

“We are here to tell Mr Coleman we already have a plan for Broome.

“It includes James Price Point – as a conservation area. What has happened to that town plan, shire councillors?

“Our plan also includes residential development on the Dampier Peninsula, a future for small business and tourism.

“We do not want the Kimberley to be industrialised. As a mother and a wife, I know I certainly don’t want Woodside here.”

Ms Wells and the band of up to 50 protestors said Mr Coleman and Woodside could expect strong community opposition to the proposed gas hub at James Price Point to continue.