Corals’ Last Stand 

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.

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.

This half hour documentary asks whether Australia can really afford to exploit

this gas reserve in a time of growing community concern at rising global

temperatures. And if it does will Scott Reef and the life it supports be the

collateral damage of that decision?