A broad agreement to develop a Kimberley Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Precinct was formalised today at an official signing ceremony at James Price Point, 60km north of Broome.
Premier Colin Barnett, Woodside Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Don Voelte and Kimberley Land Council (KLC) Chief Executive Officer Wayne Bergmann signed the Kimberley LNG Precinct Heads of Agreement in front of Traditional Owners and the community.
Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson also made the trip, highlighting the Commonwealth Government’s support for the precinct.
Mr Barnett said the agreement marked the start of heritage, environmental and social impact studies within the James Price Point area.
“Today was the first time that all parties stood on country together, providing an opportunity to look back at the hard work involved in achieving this agreement and to look toward the next phase of development,” he said.
“The Government will work with Traditional Owners through the KLC to identify the exact location of the precinct, develop an Indigenous Land Use Agreement and involve them in the design and construction of the precinct.
“The agreement by the traditional owners is a historic moment for the Kimberley, for Western Australia and for Australia. This is a significant step forward in terms of economic self determination and an improvement in the living standards of the Aboriginal people of the Kimberley. It may also become part of a milestone along the way to reconciliation across Australia.
“This agreement involves the creation of real jobs for Aboriginal people and strong investment in education, housing and health in the Kimberley.
“Everyone involved in this agreement negotiation, including Traditional Owners, Kimberley Land Council and Federal and State Government representatives, can rightly feel proud in having achieved a significant step towards securing WA’s economic and social future.”
The site would be subject to full environmental impact assessment which should be completed in 2010.
The social impact assessment and full consultation with the broader Kimberley community would occur over coming months.
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