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ALERT: GREEN HYDROGEN PROJECT MASSIVE THREAT TO THE NULLARBOR

A large section of the Nullarbor is currently under threat by proposals to build a massive "green energy" hub near Eucla, on the Western Australia side of the Nullarbor Plain. If this project is allowed to proceed it will see 3000 x 250 metre high wind turbines erected across this unique area. Thousands of acres of fragile landscape will be buried permanently in the shade by solar panel arrays - all for the sake of shipping ammonia overseas in the dubious hopes of a monetary return.

"The entire construction process, building of windmill footings, batching plants, footings for solar arrays, roadworks and trenching will cause major drainage and land disturbance, the latter being slow to heal, if at all, in an arid environment. Soil disturbances from roads, trenching, laydown areas for turbine construction, and footings for piping, will lead to in-cave siltation, changes to hydrological regimes and cave atmospheres. Runoff of disturbed soils during both the construction process itself, and coupled with any significant rain events, will result in landscape scarring, and pollution into caves, cavities and karst features. The latter is often unseen." (1) 

This development is neither sustainable, nor ecologically or financially sound. At the same time it will do irreparable damage to a unique and beautiful landscape.

Please email asf.caves.nsig@gmail.com for more information about this project, or to learn more about the work of the ASF Nullarbor Special Interest Group.


(1) Letter to Senator Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy. 9th November 2022, by Dr Clare Buswell, ASFConservation Commissioner.




Nullarbor SIG logo design by Sil Iannello. Webpage design by Rod OBrien and EmeraldImages.

NEWS

Protection Finally Coming for Koonalda Cave Art

Following another round of vandalism at the Koonalda Cave in South Australia in 2023, ASF Conservation Commissioner Dr Clare Buswell has been working with archaeologist Dr Keryn Walshe, land manager Anton Mundy and the media to raise awareness of the damage and highlight the lack of effective protection for the cave. The Federal Government made some funding available to help install security cameras. Gates put in place to protect the cave have been repeatedly vandalised and something more is needed. The artwork is over 30,000 years old and is of renowned archeological signifiance. Dr Buswell and Dr Walsh have just secured a grant from the Heritage Commission to fund further the protection of the cave.