The state government and Woodside have signed an agreement that will accelerate key studies and planning for a liquefied natural gas hub for Browse Basin gas at James Price Point.
Premier Colin Barnett said the preliminary development agreement appointed Woodside as a foundation commercial proponent for the precinct and as a partner with the Liberal-National Government in bringing the project to completion.
"This agreement is an important step in securing a development which could bring hundreds of long-term jobs, millions of investment dollars and long-term economic diversification," Mr Barnett said.
The Premier said ensuring that Aboriginal people in the Kimberley gained substantial benefits remained a high priority for the State Government.
"Negotiations on an Indigenous Land Use Agreement are continuing with the Kimberley Land Council, representing the Traditional Owners," he said.
"Importantly, the agreement with Woodside specifies that precinct development will be consistent with the Heads of Agreement, signed earlier this year, which protects Aboriginal heritage and cultural interests at the site and identifies benefits for Aboriginal people if the precinct is developed."
Mr Barnett said the State Government had contracted environmental consultancy, AECOM to co-ordinate completion of a draft Strategic Assessment Report, which will enable the precinct site and proposal to be fully assessed by State and Federal regulatory authorities.
