The State Government has reached broad agreement with the Kimberley Land Council (KLC) and Woodside about the establishment of a site for a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) precinct at James Price Point on the Kimberley coast.
Meeting in Broome today, Traditional Owners voted to endorse the project.
Premier Colin Barnett thanked the Traditional Owners and committed to work with them on the on-going development of the precinct. He said the broad agreement provided a groundbreaking framework for comprehensive native title and cultural heritage agreements, land tenure arrangements and benefits to the community.
“While more remains to be done, I am pleased by the progress made in such a short time. We are well on our way to making a significant positive impact on the lives of Aboriginal people and delivering a lasting, positive legacy for future generations in the Kimberley through responsible economic development,” Mr Barnett said.
“It is testament to the dedication of this Government and everyone involved that we have accomplished more in several months than had previously been achieved in eight years.”
The Premier said the hard work and commitment of the parties involved in the negotiation process was testament to the importance of the project to the State and indigenous people in the Kimberley.
“I would encourage Woodside’s joint venture partners to now formalise the selection of the Kimberley as their preferred processing option,” he said.
Mr Barnett also acknowledged the support and assistance of the Federal Government; Mr Bill Gray, the facilitator appointed by the Commonwealth to help with the process; and Kimberley MLA Carol Martin
“The efforts by all parties to find solutions to many complex challenges cannot be underestimated,” he said.
“The next step is the development of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement in negotiation with the Traditional Owners, registered by early 2010 and the environmental approvals process completed by late 2010.
“This would enable a foundation proponent, such as Woodside to begin construction by mid to late 2011.
“Any development of the site would be done to the highest environmental standards.
“We are talking about the sophisticated, high technology on-shore processing of natural gas pumped from off-shore fields into LNG.”
The precinct at James Price Point would occupy about 1,000 hectares. With accommodation, ancillary services and an appropriate land and sea buffer, the total area may be up to 3,500 hectares.
The site was subject to detailed technical studies and a formal, site-specific environmental assessment before development proceeded and the Government remained committed to ensuring the unique cultural and environmental values of the precinct area and the broader Kimberley region were appropriately protected.
Premier's office: 9222 9475