Marine & Coastal

9 January 2004

Casuarina Coastal Reserve pipeline construction a blunder – is this an indication of future Gas Plant Operations?

A disastrous beginning to Darwin's Gas Plant operations has shaken the Northern Territory Community. Pipeline construction at Casuarina Coastal Reserve has not gone to plan and the integrity of the area has been put at risk.

Casuarina Coastal Reserve, the NT's most visited nature reserve and a turtle nesting beach, resembled a construction site yesterday amidst unsuccessful attempts to get the 70 tonne pipeline under control and out to sea.

"Casuarina Coastal reserve has suffered significant environmental impacts as a result of the pipeline construction" said Adele Pedder of the Environment Centre. "Heavy machinery is digging up the beach. People and vehicles have been trampling through the fragile dunes and an attachment cable broke – the whole operation has been a big blunder".

"The government needs to admit that it was a mistake to allow such operations in a coastal reserve and set a precedent that Parks and Reserves are off limits to any such future activities" said Ms Pedder.

"If what we have seen at Casuarina Coastal Reserve is an indication of what is to come in Gas Plant Operations, it is completely unacceptable" said Ms Pedder.

"It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure that future Gas Plant development does not again pose such threats to the Northern Territory's precious coastal and marine environments".

For further information contact Adele Pedder on: 8941 7461 or 0422 108 539
Email: ecnt@octa4.net.au

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