I don't know if the proposed well is on an area that OXX has an interest in. From ABC radio news today.
"Shell proposes drilling near Ningaloo reef Updated 27 minutes ago
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There is an abundance of fish and other marine life at Ningaloo Reef (Supplied: Amber Triglone)
Map: Coral Bay 6701 Environmentalists say they will fight a proposal by the petroleum company Shell to drill for oil and gas close to Ningaloo reef.
The reef, which is famous for its whale sharks and abundance of marine life, is located off Western Australia's North West coast.
Shell has lodged a proposal with the federal environment department to drill in the area for 60 days, as early as September.
The documents show the rig would be located about 50 kilometres west of the boundary of the Ningaloo marine park.
The World Widlife Fund's Paul Gamblin says the risk of a spill is too great.
"Clearly for a place like Ningaloo we should be protecting these areas, and not allowing oil and gas activity so close," he said.
Shell has confirmed that it is planning an exploration well near the park.
But, it says it has a strong commitment to protecting biodiversity in its drilling operations.
Shell spokesman John D'Agostino says the company is required to get all necessary safety and environmental approvals.
"Shell has a very strong commitment to the protection of biodiversity and we meet this commitment for applying a high standard of operating practices and adhering to strict environmental management plans in all our operations," he said.
Mr Gamblin says the federal government must understand that Ningaloo needs to be protected.
"It's a very, very fragile place, it's one of the world's heathiest coral reefs, and it's a place where a number of threatened marine species like whales, dolphins, whale sharks and turtles migrate," he said.
Tourism
Mr Gamblin says the proposal could also threaten tourism which is worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Shire of Exmouth, however, believes the proposal will not affect tourism.
The Shire president Ronnie Fleay says the project should not come as a suprise because Shell has kept the community well informed.
She says there are already operations closer to the reef than the Shell proposal.
"I don't think it will have any impact to be honest, none of the others have, in fact tourists are quite fascinated to stand on our hill where our lighthouse is and to be able to see the flaring out there on the platforms," she said.
"I don't think the tourists in general will even know they are there."
