Native title over WA gas hub area recognised
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Aboriginal communities in Western Australia's Kimberley region have had their native title rights recognised over 12,050 square kilometre of land on the Dampier Peninsula, including James Price Point.
Woodside previously planned to build a gas processing hub at James Price Point - sparking large protests due to its environmental, Aboriginal heritage and palaeontological value - but axed the proposal in 2013, citing escalating costs.
Federal Court Justice Anthony North travelled to Beagle Bay to deliver the two determinations in favour of the Bindunbur people and Jabirr Jabirr and Ngumbarl people on Wednesday.
Aborginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt praised the decision.
"I congratulate the Bindunbur and Jabirr Jabirr people on their achievement, and note the steady increase in the number of native title consent determinations in Western Australia," he said
"This determination means that the certainty of native title rights in the whole of the Dampier Peninsula will assist the economic development future of this region.
"This decision will provide an environment for sound investment and help the local economy in areas such as ecotourism and aquaculture."