Christmas announcement no present for the Kimberley

The WA Premier, Colin Barnett, has announced James Price Point, 60 kilometres north of Broome as the Governments’ preferred site for a massive fossil fuel (LNG) industrial development on the Kimberley coast.

Santa says no to industrialisation of the Kimberley, photo: Leigh Swenson

The Kimberley is one of the largest and most intact natural areas left in the world. The scientific and ecological values of the region are comparable only to areas such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Amazon.

It is disappointing to have to report that the region is facing an unprecedented level of threat right now. Leading the charge to impose dangerous change this region is a new WA State Government seemingly set on a blinkered, development at all costs agenda.

Help now: Sign the online petition to protect the Kimberley wilderness from industrialistion

Community opposition

The beautiful and unique Kimberley coast is a totally inappropriate location for large scale fossil fuel development. The Broome Shire Council, Indigenous residents, church representatives, tourism operators, celebrities like Missy Higgins and Jack Thompson and leading environmental groups have been speaking loudly and clearly opposing the development of a liquified natural gas (LNG) hub anywhere on the Kimberley Coast. Large and enthusiastic protests have been held in Broome and Perth, thousands of people have responded to our online petition and there has been a groundswell of interest and concern regarding the Kimberley across the country.

The Wilderness Society protests outside the Woodside head office.

EPA report

The Environment Protection Authority recently reported that the marine environment near James Price Point is of “medium to high sensitivity”. The EPA report took a ‘least worst’ approach to examining four short listed sites suggesting that impacts at James Price Point could possibly be ‘manageable’ but not going in to detail as to how this may be achieved. The report does point out the significance of the area as a “high density” whale migration area, important for dugong and turtle, a major fish aggregation site and home to extensive filter feeding communities (highly sensitive to dredging and disturbance). The report acknowledges that alternative sites for industry outside the Kimberley coast have not been properly considered.

Impacts

Development at James Price Point will require extensive dredging, massive (perhaps 5km) breakwater construction and the construction of large jetties, not to mention the undersea gas piping and huge onshore footprint of the development. The initial suggestion of a 1000 hectare onshore site already seems to be blowing out with talk of 3000 + hectares and future expansion.

James Price Point - Government's preffered site for industrial development

Other 'downstream' industries incompatible with protecting the regions environment that may push into the sensitive Kimberley on the back of any LNG development include fertiliser and explosives factories and greenhouse intensive aluminum refining (processing bauxite from mining the Mitchell plateau.

The 'Barnett bulldozer' approach to development is damaging community, industry and scientific confidence in the State Government as an environmental manager. There has been little or no regard shown for processes that have been established such as the Federal Government lead strategic natural and cultural heritage assessment - a process already underway that should inform and precede major development decisions in the Kimberley.

Compulsory acquisition

The Premier has announced that he is prepared to take the land required for this development from Traditional Owners by compulsory acquisition if required. This has been described by organisations such as the Kimberley Land Council and Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation as setting back the reconciliation and Indigenous Rights movement by 30 years.

There are alternatives

There are alternatives, such as piping gas to ‘brownfields’ sites with established industrial infrastructure in the Pilbara (e.g. Pt Hedland, but NOT expanding operations on the Burrup that will further damage rock art) and floating LNG technology. Technology is improving, alternative energy sources should be encouraged over fossil fuels and the gas isn’t going anywhere - there is no reason to rush a decision regarding this issue.

Support the campaign to protect the Kimberley

The Barnett Government and companies such as Woodside are facing strong opposition from many sections of the community. A proposed site has now been declared - this represents a significant waypoint in the battle to protect the Kimberley. There are still legal processes including negotiations with Traditional Owners and environmental impact assessments that will need to be undertaken. This is not a done deal! Environment groups including The Wilderness Society have declared the proposed industrialisation of the Kimberley as a ‘National Emergency’. We will be continuing to ensure that the Government and fossil fuel companies such as Woodside hear from us, the community, and change their plans accordingly.

What you can do to give the Kimberley a future

1. Learn more, keep up to date with any actions and events and check out some great footage of Missy Higgins talking and singing about the Kimberley and footage of whales frolicking near the proposed industrial site at www.wilderness.org.au/Kimberley

2. Sign the online petition: Protect the Kimberley wilderness from industrialistion

3. Support our campaign - volunteer to help by contacting the Kimberley Campaigner and donate to The Wilderness Society today.

4. Please contact WA Premier Colin Barnett and Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett and ask that they ensure no industrialisation occurs in the most remote and unspoiled sections of the Kimberley coast - and that appropriate funding is directed as a matter of urgency to secure the future of the Kimberley’s outstanding natural and Indigenous cultural values.

 
The Hon Colin Barnett MLA
Email: wa-government@dpc.wa.gov.au
Mail: Premier Colin Barnett, 197 St George's Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Phone: (08) 9222 9888 - Premier's Office
Fax: (08) 9322 1213

The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP
Email: Peter.Garrett.MP@aph.gov.au
Mail: Parliament House, Canberra, ACT 2600
Phone: (02) 6277 7640
Fax: (02) 6273 6101