Overview
In April 2009 Goolarabooloo Jabirr Jabirr Traditional Owners signed a Heads of Agreement with the State Government and Woodside in relation to ongoing negotiations surrounding a proposed gas precinct at James Price Point.
If Kimberley Aboriginal people can participate in employment and business development opportunities and if a share of project revenues can be used to support sustainable development of Kimberley communities, the proposed LNG hub at James Price Point can help close the wide gap that currently exists between the life chances and standards of living of Kimberley Aboriginal people and mainstream Australia.
Requirement for Impact Assessment
Environmental and social impact studies are currently underway as part of the process for the WA State Government to obtain approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth): more about the EPBC Act.
The Strategic Assessment Agreement between the WA State Government and the Federal Government is a requirement under the Commonwealth’s environmental laws, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act), to assess the impacts of the development of the Gas Precinct.
The assessment is to be undertaken through a coordinated and collaborative process, producing a set of reports that meet the requirements of both the EPBC Act and the West Australian environmental requirements under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA). The impacts to be assessed include environmental and cultural heritage impacts as well as community impacts such as population increase and the effect of this on services such as housing, health, education and community facilities.
Aboriginal Social Impact Assessment
As part of the impact assessment process, the Kimberley Traditional Owners are participating in the Aboriginal Social Impact Assessment. This will allow Traditional Owners and other Aboriginal people affected by the Gas Precinct to have a loud and clear voice when the Federal Government makes its decisions.
It will help them make sure that the Federal Government is aware of their hopes and concerns, and that strict conditions are imposed to make sure that no damage happens to people, country or culture as a result of the Gas Precinct. For more information about the ASIA click here.
Heads of Agreement Summary
To understand the key points of the agreement between the State and Woodside, click here.
For an in-depth understading of the Heads of Agreement consultation process, as facilitated by the Kimberley Land Council click here.
Department Of State Development
For further information, including maps, the State Government’s Social Impact Assessment and detail on the environmental assessment, please refer to the Department of State Development.
Map courtesy Department of State Development [full version]
