Coral’s Last Stand

Film Maker: Jane Hammond
Run Time: 28 minutes

Perched on the edge of the continental shelf, 300km from the Australian mainland lies Scott Reef. This ancient coral atoll, isolated for millions of years from other reef systems and mainland influences, has developed its own sub populations of unique species.

Formed more than 15 million years ago Scott Reef is home to more than 1200 species including endangered sea snakes, green turtles and spectacular corals.

Endangered pygmy whales and other rare cetaceans stop at Scott Reef on their annual migrations to feed on the abundant krill. It is one of only a few spots along the west coast of Australia where krill can be found in sufficient quantities to replenish the needs of these large creatures.

But Scott Reef is under threat. The reef sits on a huge reservoir of gas known as the Browse Basin. Global corporation Woodside and its joint venture partners want to drill for gas and oil under the reef ecosystem.

The energy giant wants to sink 50 oil and gas wells in the waters around the unique coral atoll, some as close and 2.4km from the reef’s edge.

Woodside argues that the gas project, which is expected to last till 2070, will help the world decarbonise.

But conservationists disagree and say the world already has enough gas to meet global needs in the transition to net zero.

Corals’ Last Stand follows the voyage of a team of prominent Australians including author Tim Winton and musician John Butler as they travel to the reef to bring worldwide attention to the impact that drilling will have on this special place.