Following the appointment of Liz Westcott as Woodside’s new Chief Executive, the following comments can be attributed to David Ritter, Chief Executive of Greenpeace Australia Pacific:
“Incoming Woodside CEO Liz Westcott has a unique opportunity to steer Woodside away from the path of climate, environmental and economic destruction set by her predecessor Meg O’Neill, and position Woodside as a true ally to Australia’s clean energy future instead.
“One of Liz Westcott’s first orders of business should be to put an end to the most controversial, ill-advised fossil fuel projects in Australia’s history: drilling the Browse basin at Scott Reef for gas, to export overseas.
“More than half a million Australians have called for Woodside to call off this incredibly destructive project. Liz Westcott should not ignore them.
“Scott Reef is Australia’s largest freestanding oceanic reef, home to endangered species such as green sea turtles, pygmy blue whales, and dusky sea snakes. Liz Westcott must abandon Woodside’s plans to industrialise this pristine, precious ecosystem.
“Woodside’s current plans leave the company exposed to major reputational, social and economic risks, not to mention the immense climate and environmental harm they perpetuate. By leading a pivot away to genuine, proven clean energy solutions, Liz Westcott can position Woodside as a constructive, socially responsible player in Australia’s clean energy transition.
“The commitment Greenpeace Australia Pacific expressed in 2023 to Woodside to engage in constructive talks still stands. My door is open to meet with Liz Westcott and her team at any time.”
-ENDS-
Notes:
During Woodside’s 2023 AGM, former Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill and Woodside Chair Richard Goyder invited David Ritter for a meeting. Despite Greenpeace accepting the offer, there has yet to be any meeting.
Photos and videos can be found here.
For more information or interviews contact Vai Shah on vai.shah@greenpeace.org or +61 452 290 082
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