The fossil fuel frenzy in Western Australia is escalating as Shell Oil moves to conduct oil and gas drilling less than 30 miles from the rare fringe reef of Ningaloo. The world heritage region draws snorklers and divers from around the globe. Loggerhead sea turtles nest here in great numbers. The government of Australia seems to be welcoming all comers to its natural resources with Chevron, BP, Shell, Woodside Petroleum all planning or already building massive industrial projects in some of the last pristine ocean waters anywhere. Ningaloo, the Kimberley, and The Southwest are all under seige from the oil industry. The Australian politicians who are allowing this should be ashamed, given the huge boost that tourism is getting now that Oprah has shined her light on Western Australia. Download our 12-page comment letter as a PDF.

I am personally heartbroken about this because I have visited Ningaloo and was awed by the turquoise waters, white beaches, red rock canyons and wildlife. See some of my photos on this page. The deadline is March 21 but I have not been able to find the link on the Australian government's web pages to submit comments. Hopefully, I'll find it soon and share it with all who care.

 In the meantime, here are a few articles that tell the story:

The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/shell-oil-exploration-threatens-one-of-the-worlds-great-wonders-2236198.html

Perth Now http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/shell-keen-to-drill-for-oil-and-gas-off-proposed-wa-heritage-reef/story-e6frg2qc-1226017503767

 Photos below of snorkeling beach and kangaroo tracks in sand!