With a massive coastline and unique marine ecosystems, climate change, over fishing, pollution and development are all major threats to Western Australia.

The Greens have strongly supported the development and maintenence of the world-leading system of marine protectected areas installed under the previous government, but which have been reduced to nothing more than lines on the map by Tony Abbott, after the management plans for these protected areas were abolished.

The Australian Greens said today it is appalling that the EPA will not properly examine WA's shark cull, despite the clear impact it is having on marine life.

"Colin Barnett continues to avoid any proper scrutiny for his barbaric shark cull, with the WA EPA joining the Federal Government in failing to properly examine the policy, " Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens marine spokesperson said today.

Western Australia’s iconic Ningaloo Reef is at risk from a plan by Apache Energy to drill within 1km of the World Heritage site, the Greens warned today. 

Greens Senator for Western Australia Scott Ludlam said Ningaloo’s enormous environmental and tourism value must not be jeopardised by reckless industrialisation. 

On World Environment Day Western Australian senator Scott Ludlam has warned that a Coalition-controlled Federal Parliament would spell disaster for WA's environment.

"The Barnett Government's record on environmental matters is appalling: They pushed the destruction of James Price Point; approved a plan for a uranium mine on a river bed that floods intermittently; have given the go ahead to destroying Point Peron; and back expanded coal mining and more coal-fired power generation in the state's South West.

A new study has revealed dredging for proposed canal housing at Point Peron would contaminate marine life in the area, strengthening the case against the planned development.

"The threat dredging poses to local fisheries and marine life is one of many reasons this development is totally inappropriate for Point Peron," said Greens Senator for Western Australia Scott Ludlam.

Colin Barnett's bitter obsession with James Price Point must end, the WA Greens said today.

Greens Senator for Western Australia Scott Ludlam said the State Government's plan to acquire the land despite huge local opposition to its industrialisation and Woodside's withdrawal was "vindictive and reckless".

"Premier Barnett, please - it's over. This is a pristine part of the Kimberley's coast; it was never appropriate for industrialisation and it never will be. The Premier is now standing in the way of progress. It's time to move on," said Senator Ludlam.

Reports that Woodside is shelving its planned Browse gas project at James Price Point could signal a big win for the Kimberley and the environment alike, the Greens said today.

"These are very encouraging reports and it is important that Woodside and the WA Government announce the decision, if it has been made," Senator Rachel Siewert said.

Woodside and Colin Barnett's plan to wreck James Price Point is looking increasingly obsessive as leading companies turn their backs on obsolete onshore processing, the Greens said today.

Speaking from Broome today Greens Senator for Western Australia Scott Ludlam said "Shell and Exxon Mobil are pursuing floating LNG projects while Woodside clings to its plan to ruin the pristine coast at James Price Point".

The Australian Greens have called on the Federal Government to ask Japan to remove is vessels from the Australian Whale Sanctuary, and to cease shadowing the Sea Shepherd vessel Steve Irwin.

After meeting Sea Shepherd Captain Paul Watson in Fremantle today, Australian Greens Senators Rachel Siewert and Scott Ludlam said the presence of any Japanese vessels in the sanctuary was an unwelcome intrusion.

Sustainability, Environment, Water, Polulation and Communities portfolio

Question No. 1

Senator Ludlam asked: