The Commonwealth and WA State governments are trying to threaten and bully reluctant oil and gas companies, Traditional Owners and the local Broome community to accept the Kimberly gas hub proposal.
In the latest development (9th Feb 2010) the Woodside joint venture partners BP, Shell, Chevron and
BHP have responded to a deadline on gas lease renewals set by Mr Ferguson. These companies have been forced to agree to an initial investment in the James Price Point location, though a final investment decision is still a long way off.
Mr Ferguson’s deadline was designed to preempt:
- The State and Commonwealth environmental assessment process,
- The Federal government’s own heritage listing and marine protection processes,
- Indigenous consent processes
As we have seen with the Tasmanian pulpmill fiasco, when government ministers intervene to pre-empt and fast-track decision making processes, every one loses – including big corporations!
Other examples of bullying tactics include the WA State Premier Colin Barnett’s threat of compulsory land acquisition if Traditional Owners do not agree and the dismantling of the consultative site selection process set up under the former government.
The Wilderness Society will continue to build on the large and growing movement opposing this reckless proposal and investigate all options, including legal challenges, to make sure that the Kimberley is protected from inappropriate and unsustainable development