Witchcliffe filmmaker puts Scott Reef plight in focus

A new documentary from Witchcliffe local Jane Hammond is set to premiere at Margaret River HEART this month, putting a focus on the ongoing fight to save the remote ocean sanctuary of Scott Reef, almost 300 kilometres off the north west coast of WA.

Corals’ Last Stand follows a dozen marine scientists, conservationists and artists including novelist Tim Winton and musician John Butler as they voyage to Scott Reef, one of Australia’s most significant and biodiverse coral reefs.

Tim Winton has described Scott Reef as the jewel in the crown of WA’s Kimberley coast and one of the last wild places left in this country.

“The world’s coral reefs are in desperate trouble, and Scott Reef is like a sentinel,” Winton said. “If we lose Scott Reef, it’ll signal the end for all coral reefs. And when they cook and die, we’ll be left with a poorer, harsher world.

“The idea that your kids, and their kids and their kids’ kids, might never have the chance to see a place like Scott Reef – it disturbs me, it makes me angry. The injustice of it bewilders me.”

Scott Reef supports around 1500 species, including reef-building corals, endangered turtles and sea snakes, a myriad of fish species and migratory whales, such as the endangered pygmy blue whale.

Opponents to Woodside’s plans to drill wells around Scott Reef as part of its expansion of its Burrup Hub plant, say it puts the reef at significant risk.

“I journeyed to this incredible coral reef with some of Australia’s most successful campaigners to stop Scott Reef from being completely exploited by Woodside’s proposal for more than fifty gas wells,” John Butler said.

Alongside director and DOP Jane Hammond, the team of filmmakers included underwater videographers and stars of Disney’s Shipwreck Hunters Andre Rerekura and Nush Freedman.

The documentary was filmed in association with the Conservation Council of WA, Environs Kimberley, Australian Marine Conservation Society, Greenpeace Australia Pacific and the Australian Conservation Foundation.

“Thousands upon thousands of people got together to save Ningaloo Reef, thousands of people got together to save James Price Point — and they’re going to do the same to save Scott Reef,” Winton said.

“Because this isn’t just about rescuing one remarkable place – it’s about saving our climate, our planet, our home.”

Corals’ Last Stand will have its regional premiere at Margaret River HEART on Tuesday, 15 April at 7.00pm. Jane Hammond will host a Q&A session after the screening. Tickets are $9 and available via artsmargaretriver.com