CONCERNS RAISED OVER LACK OF TRANSPARENCY REGARDING WOODSIDE INCIDENT AS SUB-CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE SEEKS ONGOING MEDICAL ATTENTION

BY CONRAD MACLEAN

The Pluto LNG gas plant. Supplied: Woodside.

Traditional custodians and union representatives have voiced their concern over a perceived lack of transparency surrounding what they claim was an explosion at Woodside’s Pluto Gas Plant on the Burrup Peninsula on Friday night.

Woodside has denied the incident was an explosion, but also said a subcontractor employee has sought ongoing medical assessment for noise exposure.

WorkSafe has since sent inspectors to the plant and determined that while some equipment should remain shut down, the remainder of the plant is operable. 

Marduhunera woman and Traditional Custodian Raelene Cooper, who has family members who work for Woodside on the Burrup, said she was extremely concerned about the lack of transparency surrounding such a serious incident. 

“Woodside have stated it’s nothing to worry about, but it is something to worry about,” she said.

“It’s extremely worrying and concerning, and no one’s really been notified.

“Woodside is number one for non-transparency.”

Electric Trades Union North West Lead Organiser Paul Ferreira said Woodside was being misleading by calling the incident an “audible release” in a statement on Saturday. 

“It’s some very creative wording from whoever in Woodside has nominated that phrase,” he said.

“I’d call it an explosion, on the basis that even people in Dampier some 20 kilometres away heard the loud explosion and their windows were shaking.”

A spokesperson for Woodside said investigations into the incident are ongoing and no hydrocarbon was released in the event.

They also said one person exposed to the incident has sought ongoing medical attention.

“Late yesterday afternoon, Woodside was notified by one of its contractor companies that a subcontractor employee had sought additional medical assessment for noise exposure and this assessment is ongoing,” they said.

They said all staff were safe and accounted for after the incident.

Ngaarda Media approached Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation for comment.