German industrial giant dumps Exmouth Gulf project after fierce fight
Environmental advocates are ecstatic at a major win in their decades-long struggle to prevent industrialisation of Exmouth Gulf, after a German multinational withdrew plans for a massive and controversial saltworks project.
Protect Ningaloo, part of the Australian Marine Conservation Society, led the campaign against the saltworks, claiming it would have damaged a nationally listed wetland and polluted the gulf, the nursery area for the World Heritage listed Ningaloo reef.
They now say governments must act to ensure Exmouth Gulf is protected from future industrial projects.
German corporation K+S on Thursday announced cancellation of plans for the Ashburton Salt project, which has been planned for nearly a decade and was undergoing public environmental assessment by the state's Environmental Protection Authority.
K+S Salt Australia managing director Gerrit Gödecke said the team 'made many visits to Onslow and Exmouth and met many passionate people who care deeply about their community.'
'We spent a great deal of time and resources getting to understand the community and the environment,' he said.
'However much has changed since 2016, including the worldwide strategic direction at our parent company, K+S, which no longer includes growth in international salt production.'
'I am disappointed … the people of Onslow and the Thalanyji People, Traditional Owners … will not realise the significant benefits the project would have brought.
'K+S remains confident the Ashburton Salt project could have been developed to be one of the world's most environmentally sound solar salt projects.'
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