Big gas companies bend to Ferguson’s bullying tactics – but no site agreed

The Wilderness Society (WA) Inc
Media Release
24 December 2009

Conservationists are disappointed by today’s announcement that the Browse Basin gas joint venture partners have accepted the lease retention conditions laid down by Federal Resources Minister Ferguson.

On 2 December Ferguson said the five companies (Woodside, Shell, Chevron, BP, BHP) had to agree within 30 days to his terms and conditions and within 120 days have to agree to development of a specific site - in a move clearly designed to force the development of a Kimberley option.

The Wilderness Society WA Kimberley Campaigner Josh Coates said it was unfortunate the companies had initially caved in to Ferguson’s bullying tactics but there was still a long way to go before any polluting gas hub was approved on the Kimberley coast.

“Although Mr. Ferguson clearly wants to try to lock the project in the Kimberley prior to Environment Minister Garrett carrying out his responsibilities as decision minister, this could prove a very foolish strategy."

“As we have seen with the Tasmanian pulpmill fiasco, when ministers start subverting statutory assessment processes, it can blow up in their faces and have serious repercussions for proponent companies."

“Mr. Ferguson is demanding the companies commit $1.25 BILLION towards developing an onshore processing site prior to any environmental approvals being given."

“In light of Mr. Ferguson’s ministerial blundering, the serious environmental impacts and growing opposition from Traditional Owners of the James Price Point area, we call on the companies not to agree to a Kimberley gas site."

“The Browse joint venture companies should instead look after their commercial and legal interests and corporate reputations by choosing more environmentally friendly options."