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Mary Tarran on James Price Point negogitaions
Jabirr Jabirr Traditional Owner Mary Tarran discusses the importance of protecting Indigenous culture and heritage at James Price Point.
KLC Media Statement, 15.04.2009
Kimberley Traditional Owners have today given in-principle approval for the site of the proposed Kimberley LNG hub at James Price Point in North Western Australia.
Wayne Bergmann, Chief Executive Kimberley Land Council said the decision paves the way for cultural and environmental studies to be undertaken before the final agreement on the site is given by Traditional Owners at the end of the year.
“Traditional owners have said yes to jobs and economic opportunities, but not at any price. The in-principle agreement is subject to cultural and environmental studies.
“Today’s decision ensures that Traditional Owners will continue to be part of the process for deciding the development that take place on their land.
We want training and jobs, we want business opportunities for indigenous people and we want to protect the environment and our heritage sites,” said Wayne Bergmann
The in-principle decision has come after 16 months of consultations facilitated by the Kimberley Land Council to ensure development in the Kimberley comes with the informed consent of Aboriginal People.
“Over a hundred members of the Goolarabooloo Jabirr Jabirr people, were able to have their voice heard as they voted for the in-principle agreement. This has been an historic moment for Traditional Owners who have been given a chance to take ownership and responsibility of their future and their land,” said Mr Bergmann.
The in-principle agreement is subject to:
- Detailed heritage assessments on the land around James Price Point carried out by the KLC and Traditional Owners;
- The environmental assessment and approvals;
- An Indigenous land use agreement.
The studies are expected to take up to seven months to complete.
“Traditional Owners have put the highest value on sustaining our cultural heritage and the integrity of our environment, while also taking responsibility for developing opportunities to improve the economic and social conditions of Kimberley Aboriginal people,“ said Mr Bergmann.
