Historic joint statement signed with Kimberley Indigenous leaders
07 Dec 2007
Broome: Today, WWF-Australia and other conservation groups, signed a landmark joint statement with the Kimberley Land Council which outlines a shared approach to the possible processing of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) in the Kimberley.
WWF-Australia CEO Greg Bourne said, "This joint statement is important because it reflects the shared aspirations held by conservationists and Indigenous leaders about the future of the Kimberley. Major proposals like gas plants cannot be considered in isolation from each other and without serious consideration for the needs of the environment and of Indigenous communities."
"We are all determined to see a new approach taken to any consideration of development in the Kimberley. The challenge is to create an enduring, positive legacy. While we are beginning to see early signs of support for this approach from government and some industry leaders, we need action. This statement makes clear that conservation and Indigenous leaders are all putting up their hands to get on with the job together."
Paul Gamblin, WWF's marine policy advisor, and one of the lead negotiators of the statement, represented WWF at the official signing ceremony in Broome. He said, "This statement makes it clear that before any proposals for LNG development in the Kimberley are considered, the region's globally-important natural and cultural values must be described and real commitments must be made by Governments for their protection."
"If gas processing is deemed appropriate in light of thorough analysis, at most it must be undertaken under a single development plan which will see maximum sharing of infrastructure and minimum environmental footprint. We believe that this would only be achieved by all companies locating their gas processing facilities in a carefully-located single hub and we support the KLC's call for governments and companies to provide information to Traditional Owners about this option."
More information
Paul Gamblin, WWF-Australia Marine Policy Advisor
Mobile: 0410 221 508
Paula Schibeci, WWF-Australia Press Office
Phone: 08 9442 1213
Mobile: 0406 381 137
