Report marks step forward in search for Kimberley hub site

The Northern Development Taskforce's Interim Report has been released, outlining its progress in identifying a potential liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub site in the Kimberley.

The taskforce was established in 2007 to coordinate the issues relating to the development of Browse Basin gas in the Kimberley while taking into account indigenous rights and the unique cultural and environmental values of the Kimberley.

Included in the report are the identification of nine potential hub sites for further technical investigation, and an assessment of Aboriginal heritage, cultural values and environmental considerations.

Through the  the Kimberley Land Council (KLC), the taskforce is ensuring that  Traditional Owners are fully informed and engaged in the consideration of gas processing on-shore in the Kimberley.

WA Minister for State Development Eric Ripper said the taskforce is working closely with the Kimberley community, traditional owners and industry to ensure a timely resolution for the identification of potential processing options for Browse Basin gas.

“Should industry choose to use the Kimberley on-shore option for LNG processing, the State Government is committed to ensuring the Kimberley community will benefit from the employment and business opportunities that such a project will offer the region,” he said. 

“The Interim Report sets out the State Government’s commitment to ensuring benefits flow throughout the indigenous and broader community, while lessening any impacts on existing industries,” he said.

The release of the Interim Report coincides with the publication of the Commonwealth Government’s finalised Terms of Reference for a Strategic Environmental Assessment for National Heritage Listing in the Kimberley. 

The joint assessment, being undertaken by the Federal and Western Australian Governments, is the first such evaluation to be carried out under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. 

Mr Ripper said the combination of the strategic assessment and the taskforce’s extensive consultation with the indigenous community, environmental experts and the Kimberley community, will ensure that any gas development will have minimal impacts on the environmental, heritage and community values of the region.

The progress of the Northern Development Taskforce is the result of strong cooperation between the State and Federal Government, industry, traditional owners and other key stakeholders.

Work will now begin to narrow down the list of potential sites with a decision on a short-list expected in August 2008.

The Northern Development Taskforce Interim Report can be viewed on the Department of Industry and Resources’ website: www.doir.wa.gov.au/ndt