Protect Entrance Point Reef
Yinarra Entrance Point Reef is under threat of industrial development.
The Kimberley coast is among the top 4% of the most intact coastlines in the world. The seagrass beds, mangroves and coral communities are healthy; fish, turtle, dugong, dolphin and crab populations depend on them.
One of more than 40 species of coral at Entrance Point Reef. Photo: Martin Pritchard
Unlike in other coastal areas, few marine invasive species have become introduced to Roebuck Bay from foreign shipping. The more ships, the more risk of invasive species, which can wipe out entire marine ecosystems. The new, industrial floating jetty proposed for Entrance Point in Broome would cut straight through the reef.
The jetty has been put forward as a project that will help industrialise the West Kimberley. In answers to questions in Parliament, the WA Government has said it could be used by Buru Energy, which wants to export oil from Broome and has done test fracking in the Kimberley. The Kimberley Development Commission has said that the jetty “…should attract oil and gas miners in Browse and Roebuck Basin, cruise ships, cattle exports and shipping containers.”
The proposed industrial floating jetty would not only open the door to industrialising the West Kimberley, but would also damage the cherished Entrance Point Reef. Many Broome people grew up spending time on the reef, fishing, swimming, exploring and delighting in the rich marine life here. They don’t want to see it trashed, they want to pass it on to their children and grandchildren in the same condition they remember.
Community members were shocked to see recent damage from drilling investigations on Entrance Point Reef.
Recently, over 40 species of coral were found on the reef. The Minister for Ports, David Michael, admitted that the reef “…has not been assessed for its environmental significance.”
We’re calling on the WA Government to protect Entrance Point Reef in perpetuity from damaging industrial development.
Stand with the Broome community to protect Entrance Point Reef.
Some of the MANY who turned out in Broome on Monday 30 October to call for protection for Entrance Point Reef. Photos: Damian Kelly