Heads of Agreement: Kimberley LNG Development
These are the key elements of the Heads of Agreement between the Kimberley Land Council (acting on the instructions of the Goolarabooloo / Jabirr Jabirr Native Title claimants) , the State of Western Australia, and Woodside in respect of an LNG facility in the area of Prices Point.
1. Summary
The LNG Precinct is to be controlled and managed by the State.
The Woodside operated Browse Joint Venture LNG Project is the potential foundation proponent in the LNG Precinct.
The Heads of Agreement provides a framework and basis for moving towards the development of a detailed Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA).
The ILUA must be executed as soon as practicable.
The Parties commit to enter into a Heritage Protection Agreement. When identifying the approximate location and layout of the LNG Precinct the KLC, the State and Woodside will have regard to Aboriginal heritage issues, environmental issues and construction, operation and economic implications.
The total area of land and water for the LNG Precinct will be, subject to Aboriginal heritage protection considerations, about 3,500ha (around 2,500ha of land and 1,000ha of waters), with a further area for the statutory buffer zone.
The Parties agree to work together to minimise as much as possible the total area required to establish the LNG Precinct.
Land for the LNG Precinct will only be required for the life of the project.
The Parties support the participation of Traditional Owners in the development and management of the LNG Precinct and commit to the ongoing implementation of the ILUA and other benefits associated with the establishment of the LNG Precinct.
2. State of Western Australia’s Contribution
- Tenure, land titles transfer, Native Title and precinct size;
- Cultural Heritage Protection and Environmental Management, including fixing up the site when the LNG is finished;
- Commitments to: Economic Development Fund, Housing Fund, Education Fund, Cultural Preservation Fund and Kimberley Enhancement Scheme.
- Conservation and Heritage Reserves
- Administration Payments
- Indigenous Employment
- Conditions that will apply to Future Proponents
3. Woodside Energy Ltd’s Package
Details of Woodside’s package are subject to confidentiality arrangements between the KLC/ Traditional Owners and Woodside, and cannot be disclosed. Woodside’s proposal deals with the following
- Land tenure, cultural heritage protection, environmental management and management arrangements for the Precinct
- Financial commitments for education, training and administration.
- Regional Benefits
- Indigenous Employment
- Implementation of the ILUA
Traditional Owner benefits:
- Business contracts
- Business development
- Cross cultural awareness training for Woodside staff
- A continuing right to access the Precinct for Traditional Owners
- Review of Agreement
4. Commonwealth Package
The KLC is in continuing discussions with the Commonwealth in relation to its commitments to the region, and Traditional Owners require those commitments to be finalised before execution of any ILUA.
