Environment groups are maintaining their opposition to an LNG processing hub in the Kimberley, which still requires approval from Federal environment minister Peter Garrett.
Environment groups are maintaining their opposition to an LNG processing hub in the Kimberley, which still requires approval from Federal environment minister Peter Garrett.
They say there is still a significant environment assessment to be done before a "massive industrial precinct can be built on the pristine Kimberley coastline".
The Wilderness Society and Conservation Council issued a joint statement following yesterday's in-principle agreement between the state government and the Kimberley Land Council.
Wilderness Society Kimberley spokesperson Josh Coates said "While we respect the Kimberley Land Council and Traditional Owner's decision to enter into an agreement that they consider to be in their best interests, there are a multitude of very serious environmental considerations yet to be addressed."
"This development proposal will have to be examined on environmental grounds under both the WA Environmental Protection Act and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act."
"If this industrial precinct were to go ahead the environmental impacts would be far reaching and very damaging to the natural and cultural values of the Kimberley. The fossil fuel development would require blasting and dredging of reefs, clearing of significant pindan woodland and sensitive vine thicket communities and will impact heavily on species including Humpback whales and Bilbies.
"It will also cause ongoing air and marine pollution and profoundly alter the world famous nature of the Kimberley. This is not a 'clean' industry."
Conservation Council of WA Director Piers Verstegen said, "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. Before we rush ahead with a massive industrial development that would change this special place forever, we need to ensure alternative development sites are properly considered."
"We believe there are a range of other options including already industrialised sites in the Pilbara or Floating LNG technology which may have far less environmental impact than the proposed Kimberley development. These matters will need to be considered carefully by Peter Garrett before making his final decision."
"The implication from Premier Barnett that Kimberley communities will have no future without massive industrial development is not accurate."
"We have recently learned via questions in Parliament that there are 30 Indigenous tourism businesses in the Kimberley and over 500 Kimberley Indigenous people employed in tourism. These are real long-term jobs and the Premier's industrialisation plans threaten this sustainable industry which has excellent growth prospects for the future."