Multinational fossil fuel companies eye off the Kimberley coast

James Price Point - The Kimberley - WA

This project is being championed by the Western Australian (WA) Government, some sections of the Australian Government, and the company Woodside.  The environmental impacts would be massive if this proposal is approved. At this stage the Woodside joint venture (JV) is the only operation ready to ‘move in’ if the Premier’s gas hub is given the green light.

Map showing the location of James Price Point in relation to Broome and the Browse basin

Without an initial major operator (foundation proponent) to build in the gas hub, and pay for the work required for approvals, the WA Government's vision for the industrialization of the Kimberley will come to naught. Other companies that are part of the Woodside Browse basin joint venture (see below) will be required to provide the financial support to turn this project into a reality. This is not a ‘done deal’

The Woodside joint venture partners are:

Woodside 50% Chevron Corp 16.7% British Petroleum (BP) 16.7% Royal Dutch Shell 8.3% BHP Billiton 8.3%

What the media says

“Piping the gas from the Browse Basin to Karratha would also come at a much lower price than a greenfields site at James Price Point”.  “Not surprisingly. Woodside is urging State and Federal governments to exert pressure on its Browse Partners”. ¹

“Woodside is spearheading the Kimberley hub proposal, which has been championed by Premier Colin Barnett, who successfully pushed through an agreement with indigenous landowners after threatening to requisition the proposed site at James Price Point, north of Broome.” and “Chevron is yet to publicly back Woodside's selection of James Price Point and analysts say such a backing is unlikely.” ²

The West Australian newspaper has reported that Woodside is lobbying for a ‘big stick’ approach asking Australian Government Resources Minister Martin Fergusson to threaten to strip mining permits off Chevron and Shell if they do not agree to support the project. “The Rudd Government is set to come under huge pressure from Woodside… unless an agreement [on the gas hub] can be reached”  ³

Multinational companies and corporate responsibility

LNG processing requires huge areas of land, major ports and other infrastructure. Photo: Remi Vignals

The Wilderness Society congratulates companies like Chevron and Shell for publicly standing up to Woodside and the WA Government. These companies and others, including BP and BHP, publicaly promote their commitment to environmental best practice and social responsibility. By pulling out of controversial gas processing on the Kimberley coast these companies have a chance demonstrate this commitment through action.

Chevron have stated it supports “responsible development of the Browse fields” and will make decisions “when all of the options… are fully explored.” ¹

Shell has said “given the complexity, scale, challenges and expected costs of this development, Shell believes it is critically important Browse LNG is progressed in a prudent and responsible manner.”   ¹

While we welcome this acknowledgement of the environmental and social responsibility of these companies we wish to ensure these companies do not repeat mistakes made in the past.

Read More

We provide you with 10 reasons why the LNG development should not go on the Kimberley coast. Recommended reading!

What the Wilderness Society is doing to protect the Kimberley coast - The Kimberley coast is a special place, this page will inform you of some of the things we are doing to protect the outstanding natural values of the region.

What you can do

• Join the Hands Up supporter list and map. By registering your support you will send a clear message to State and Commonwealth Government and multi-national fossil fuel companies such as Woodside, Shell, Chevron BHP and BP that the Kimberley is not for sale! Click here to register and view the map.
• Send your own message to the companies - Click here for some tips and addresses to get you started.
• Support our campaign - volunteer to help by contacting the Kimberley Campaigner and donate to The Wilderness Society today.
• Attend our next Kimberley Consulate community action (see events section on the Kimberley main page) or organise a community action in your area, wherever you are in Australian or around the world - contact the Kimberley Campaigner for support.
  

References

1.    The West. “Delay looms from Browse LNG” 01/07/09, pg 48
2.    AAP. “Kimberley LNG hub unlikely to proceed”  05/06/09
3.    The West. “Woodside push on Browse leases will test Fergusson”, 03/07/09 pg 45