Bilbys found at James Price Point

8th August – BILBY’S FOUND AT JAMES PRICE POINT! – Today in a media release by Environs Kimberley, information regarding a Bilby population found in an area slated for bulldozing by Woodside Petroleum.

Conservationists are calling on the Federal Environment Minister to intervene to stop the bulldozing of the site and undertake investigations into the Bilby Population to make sure it is not harmed by land clearing. “The Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, has the powers to protect Bilbies under Commonwealth Environmental Laws. We urge him to use his powers immediately, before the bulldozer kills any endangered animals,” said Environs Kimberley Director, Martin Pritchard.

“We are calling on Mr Burke to protect this threatened species by putting a stop-work order on Woodside and by sending Commonwealth Environment Officers to investigate the site,” Mr Pritchard said.

After $80 million worth of environmental studies by Woodside, including $3.848 million paid to AECOM Australia to prepare environmental studies and reports, the company claimed that no resident Bilby colonies were to be found at the project area, despite evidence such as burrows and diggings.

Footage and still photos of a Bilby at the site were taken on the weekend by community members concerned about the proposed works.

15th August – BILBY UPDATE! Research cameras have this week revealed a further three baby bilbies at the same location. These recent sightings of Greater Bilbies, including juveniles, are in the exact location that Woodside is currently undertaking land clearing at the proposed gas hub site. Watch the great video put together by Hands Off Country.