WOODSIDE BLASTING PERMIT OVERTURNED AFTER LEGAL CHALLENGE FROM TRADITIONAL CUSTODIAN

Save Our Songlines campaigner Raelene Cooper at Hearsons Cove in 2022. Credit: Supplied, Save Our Songlines.

Mardudhunera Traditional Custodian Raelene Cooper defeated gas company Woodside Energy in the Federal Court on Thursday.

Ms Cooper successfully challenged Woodside’s permit to conduct seismic blasting off the Pilbara coast.

Woodside planned to begin blasting this month to map gas reserves for the company’s Scarborough gas development.

Scientists and traditional custodians say seismic blasting can damage marine ecosystems.

The court determined that Woodside had not adequately consulted Traditional Custodians and should not have been granted the permit.

The decision is expected to cause major cost and delay for Woodside.

Ms Cooper said the outcome was a “first, small win”.

“It’s making a statement that we’ve been traumatised and there’ve been destructive environmental impacts on our culture and on our environment, our animals, and our sacred significant sites,” she said.

“No more. There’s no longer this power play. It’s up to our people, our families, and our people to stand strong.”

Woodside says it has consulted widely on its environmental plans.

Listen to Ms Cooper speak to Marion Cheedy on Ngaarda Radio: