Lateline - 23/10/2012: Kimberley to be next resource bonanza

Lateline - 23/10/2012: Kimberley to be next resource bonanza:

The Kimberley in the north west of Australia has some of the biggest gas, coal, uranium and bauxite reserves in the world and plans to carve it up are well under way but there are concerns that development will destroy the environment.

Woodside Petroleum invests in Burma oil and gas field | The Australian

Woodside Petroleum invests in Burma oil and gas field | The Australian:
Woodside said yesterday that it had bought a stake in the production sharing contract for block AD-7 in the Rakhine Basin, off the west coast of Burma, from South Korea's Daewoo International Corporation.

It said details of the deal were confidential.

Under the deal, Daewoo will remain the operator of the block.

Announcing the farm-in yesterday, Mr Coleman said the offer showed the company's commitment to securing international growth opportunities in frontier and emerging basins to leverage Woodside's core capabilities, especially in deepwater exploration

New State Govt CSG Policy Appalling: WIN News 12 Sep 2012 - YouTube

New State Govt CSG Policy Appalling: WIN News 12 Sep 2012 - YouTube:
In the wake of the NSW Government's Strategic Regional Land Use Policy release, WIN News talks to Jess Moore of Stop CSG Illawarra about Barry O'Farrell's broken promises and the upcoming protest on October 21 in Bulli.

It so good to understand that communities across Australia are starting to stand up for their future, their water, their environment and their community. 

The Great Barrier Reef is a national icon, a natural treasure and important for marine biodiversity. There is no place like it in the world. The iconic Great Barrier Reef is right on Queensland's doorstep and is a treasure that belongs to all Australians. But the Great Barrier Reef is under threat from many things, including climate change, ocean acidification and over-fishing. Now, the Great Barrier Reef is facing new threats from the Gas and oil industrialists: dredging, dumping and shipping.

Dinosaur prints spark row - The West Australian

Dinosaur prints spark row - The West Australian:

Woodside Petroleum has brushed off claims of protesters at its proposed gas hub at James Price Point that scientists surveying dinosaur footprints were there to destroy them.

A traditional owner confronts the survey workers. Picture: Damian Kelly

Mr McCrea said he had seen development and dinosaur prints co-exist, notably at open pit coal mines in western Alberta and in the north east and south east of British Columbia. "That's one of the things we are going to be taking a look at," he said. "There are certain cases I have experienced in which a development would have a huge negative impact on a (dinosaur) track site and for others it was negligible." Mr McCrea said, speaking generally, individual prints could be moved if they were found to be at risk from erosion or a development. A single trackway could also be moved, though it involved huge expense. But a site with multiple trackways was a different proposition, he said.

"These things can be as big as parking lots and it's just not feasible," he said. Mr McCrea said it was possible to make replicas which meant potentially losing the originals to the weather or the effects of the development that was nearby. "It's a difficult thing," he said.

Meanwhile, on the main highway entrance into Broome, the community continues to let their thoughts be known to Woodside.

On one side of the Banner states: Woodside destroying Community and on the other side, Woodside Destroying Culture.

Do you think Woodside's security vehicle, pictured here, noticed it?

Traditional Owner confronts Woodside workers chasing world’s largest dinosaur footprint

MEDIA RELEASE  18^th October 2012

Traditional Owner confronts Woodside workers chasing world’s largest dinosaur footprint

Over the last two days a group consisting of 6 scientists and 6 Woodside security personnel have entered the culturally sensitive intertidal zone near James Price Point without clearance from Traditional Owners. The group was first seen yesterday at 3:30pm and again this morning around 5:30am.  They were searching for dinosaur trackways that are protected under the National Heritage Act, and are located within a registered Aboriginal Heritage Site.

Traditional owners alongside other community members approached peacefully to enquire why they were working on the west side of Manari Road, and the security forces responded aggressively, assaulting and attempting to destroy the camera of a community member.

Woodside representative then claimed the scientists were there on behalf of the Environmental Protection Authority. The EPA has since confirmed that this is not true. “They have no business being on country. Why are they lying about being there on behalf of the EPA – what have they got to hide?” questioned Goolarabooloo law boss Phillip Roe. On the back of the recent ABC Catalyst program that revealed what is possibly the world’s largest dinosaur footprint, there are grave concerns that Woodside are trying to determine the location of this culturally sensitive site – and may seek to remove or damage this dinosaur trackway of global significance.


The intertidal zone has National Heritage protection and Broome community members including traditional owners are concerned about damage to the trackways, the sensitive reef, and question the scientists’ intentions and why they are falsely claiming to represent the EPA.

Local dinosaur researcher Nigel Clarke said, “These trackways are globally significant and this entire area of coast has been granted protection by Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke - why didn’t they consult with leading palaeontologists who are experts in this area?”

“Why did they not consult with traditional custodians of the Song cycle that these trackways are part of?” asked Phillip Roe.

Spokespeople:
Goolarabooloo Law Boss Phillip Roe: 9192 4910, 
Paleontologist : Dr Steven Salisbury 0407 788 660

Richard T. McCrea was told last year, on a number of occasions by Senior Law Men that these track sites in and around Broome, Western Australia, hold great cultural significance for the Gooloarabooloo people. So why is he sneaking around, with the security force of the very corporation, Woodside whose only interest is to destroy them. Tell Rich to go home because we are going to rattle his cage.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peace-Region-Palaeontology-Research-Centre/256129307878

The National Indigenous Times Newspaper. - WA heritage fight heats up

The National Indigenous Times Newspaper. - WA heritage fight heats up:

National Indigenous Times West Australian reporter Gerry Georgatos

Aboriginal and environmental rights advocates have claimed proposed changes to the Aboriginal Heritage Act by the West Australian Government will provide even less protection for Aboriginal sacred sites.


Goolarabooloo Rodney 'Wocky' Augustine said he is "scared to death" by Woodside's proposal for a gas..

Royal Dutch Shell GUILTY of Mass Murder. - YouTube

Royal Dutch Shell GUILTY of Mass Murder. - YouTube

Happy 4th Birthday Hands Off Country

It’s Hands off Country’s 4th birthday today, Monday, 15th October and also the anniversary of the day the newly elected Premier announced North Head as his preference for the location of the Kimberley LNG Precinct. Later that year,  in December he determined that James Price Point was a better location.

Perhaps some people will remember this? The Banner was erected in the roundabout at the entrance to town (near the Visitors’ Centre) it was the first of many Broome protests action against the proposed gas precinct.

Four years ago, within hours of the announcement of HIS preferred site for the gas hub proposal, Premier Barnett was given a clear message from the Broome community. Installed on the major roundabout coming into Broome, Kimberley, Western Australia and illuminated by an eerie generator light, Premier Barnett was put on notice. "We will not give away the Kimberley without a fight".

Hands Off Country has kept their word.

Petition | Tony Burke: Reverse approval for Hancock's coal export terminal at Abbot Point | Change.org

Petition | Tony Burke: Reverse approval for Hancock's coal export terminal at Abbot Point | Change.org: Last Thursday Federal Environment minister Tony Burke quietly approved a huge new coal export terminal at Abbot Point in the Great Barrier Reef, but new findings show that the adjacent Caley Valley wetland is home to a federally threatened species.

Law Below the Top Soil, by Professor Peter Botsman a concise history of the flawed proposal to develop Browse Gas at James Price Point

It is an imperative for all Australians to become aware of the processes that are driving the development of the North-West, and we consider that this report should stimulate wider interest and understanding of the key issues. Above all, we hope it will provoke a much needed debate than has occurred up to this date about the proposed LNG precinct planned for Walmadany (James Price Point). We thank the author, Peter Botsman, for his hard work and dedication over the last 2 years. Save The Kimberley, October 2012
http://www.savethekimberley.com/2012/10/11/law-below-the-top-soil-just-released/

Peter Botsman’s key findings as listed in Law Below the Top Soil:  
Summary provided by Meredith, posted on October 11, 2012

1. For overwhelming economic, social, cultural and environmental reasons the LNG precinct proposed for Walmadany (James Price Point) should not be built. The drivers to complete the LNG Precinct at Walmadany (James Price Point) are narrow: (1) State revenues and an ongoing push to industrialise the Kimberley (2) Woodside Petroleum’s potential for increased revenue (3) payments and benefits for the Indigenous community. These are not sufficient to (1) destroy the significant traditional cultural heritage of the area (2) to destroy a pristine and precious coastal environment (3) and to fundamentally undermine the people-centred tourist and cultural economy of the Broome region. Furthermore the hasty processing of the Browse resources will result in diminished revenue and an over-expenditure on infrastructure. In sum, such a project is against the national interest.

2. The Lurujarri Trail — the magic 80 kilometre stretch from Broome’s Roebuck Bay Caravan Park, (spanning Gantheaume Pt/Entrance Pt through Daparapakun, Jurlarri, Lurujarri and Minarriny to north of Coulomb Pt), to Bindingankuny — should be preserved in a pristine state forever in accordance with the wishes of the traditional law holders and custodians who know the law and spirit of the land.

3. The Browse Basin gas resources should be distributed by a pipeline to the Burrup Peninsula LNG plant or, if this involves too long a timeline for the gas lessees, then by floating gas liquefaction. The ‘use or lose’ it provisions engineered to fast track the Walmadany (James Price Point) development need to be the subject of a major parliamentary inquiry.

4. All Australian economic development on Aboriginal land needs to be in accordance with the principle of Indigenous Free Prior Informed Consent (IFPIC). The threat of compulsory acquisition of the Walmadany lands and the formal bureaucratic methods of the Native Title process that took place in relation to it need to be reviewed in the light of IFPIC. In short, Australia needs to bring its laws and processes into line with the principles of IFPIC.

5. Traditional Indigenous decision-making is best practice decision making. Decisions are made that are strong, binding and valued. Traditional processes do not occur by majority votes or participation in committees or through political representatives who can work within mainstream decision-making or negotiating frameworks according to a timeline. Decisions are made by ‘men and women of high degree’ who have a direct knowledge and expertise of the matters to be decided upon. The decisions of the leaders take time and are then endorsed by consensus as reflected in the liyarn of the customary group. Without these ingredients there can be no consent on matters as important as the status of lands and estates.  Aboriginal people, or any other people from outside areas have no bearing or right to determine decisions in such a forum.

6. There will be some who view these findings as anti-progressive and anti-development. In fact they are the basis for a more enlightened economic development process. Australia must recognise that destroying the environment is not progress and pursuing the fastest dollar possible is not sound economic development.

7. The hardship and plight of Kimberley Indigenous peoples is well understood. The need to celebrate and practise traditional law and culture as well as participate in the best of the mainstream world is the goal of all Indigenous people supported by all honourable Australians. The package of economic and social benefits negotiated by the KLC on behalf of the Jabirr Jabirr and other Kimberley Indigenous people was a step forward from the travesty of royalty payments in the Pilbara. There will be other opportunities to improve on these developments and to improve on this model, and to improve on it further.

Broome and the Kimberley have resisted the dictates of crass commercialism and development at all costs. Broome is the place where the White Australia Policy had only minimal effects on the shape and fabric of the people behind the famous fence that divided the European bosses from the greater community. The behind-the-fence Broome culture has created a wonderful spirit and people who know how to think in ten different cultural ways. This unique quality does not need just to be celebrated in the famous festivals of Broome. It needs to be a foundation for economic, social and cultural development of the region. Miners, economic developers and politicians would do better if they worked together with the people who have made the region so special. If they do so they are sure to have success and to bring wellbeing and prosperity to the region, Australia and the world.

Botsman Report October 2012

Cousins of The Kimberleys and a price too high | Independent Australia

Cousins of The Kimberleys and a price too high | Independent Australia:

Contributing editor-at-large Tess Lawrence introduces an article by Geoffrey Cousins on the controversial James Price Point gas hub. “There are merely a handful of men capable of instilling fear in the corporate badlands,” Tess writes — and Geoff Cousins is surely one of them.

Shell eyes new LNG plan for Browse | The Australian

Shell eyes new LNG plan for Browse | The Australian:
A SENIOR Royal Dutch Shell executive has done little to dampen growing speculation that the company will push its revolutionary floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) technology as a solution to the ongoing controversy over the $US45 billion Browse project in Western Australia.

In an exclusive interview with The Australian, Shell's director of projects & technology Matthias Bichsel would not rule out considering FLNG as a development option for Browse.

No Social Licence, No Economic Sense, No Science, NO WAY

Woodside vs The Good-side                                                                                                                                               Thanks again to Red Broome

Earth Choice Launches Bold TV Ad for the Kimberley | Save The Kimberley

Earth Choice Launches Bold TV Ad for the Kimberley | Save The Kimberley:

I couldn’t believe that our government would put industry ahead of one of the planet’s last remaining pristine coasts. How could our government even consider a project that would create more CO2 than is produced by the entire country of New Zealand? This would negate any benefit the new carbon tax would have and will increase Australia’s carbon emissions significantly. Perversely, it seems that the creation of this enormous industrial precinct would be more about carbon tax revenue for the government as the 50 million tonnes of CO2 would equate to $1.15 billion in carbon tax revenue.

Thousands gather for Kimberley concert

Thousands gather for Kimberley concert

Dr Brown said the large crowd was "a powerful message from Melbourne to Canberra".
Former Broome local James Psembi, 21, said he was pleased to see "Broome-related news trickle down to Melbourne".

Concert For the Kimberley

Concert For the Kimberley

Clink on the above link for highlights of the evening. 

Concert for the Kimberley was a truly heart-warming showcase of people uniting for a common goal…the protection of living traditional culture and the pristine environment on the west Kimberley coast. Our united national campaign efforts is raising awareness on a national and international levels and harnessing this  interest of the gathering thousands. 

Thank you, to all the volunteers,  who gave their time and hearts through conversation, leafleting etc. We, the Broome community formed a massive bond last night with the people of Melbourne and it felt like a rising tide.

Operation Kimberley Miinimbi Documentary | Fair Projects

Operation Kimberley Miinimbi Documentary | Fair Projects:

At the beginning of August, 2012, Fair Projects set sail with the crew of the Steve Irwin, as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society traveled half way around Australia to descend upon Walmadan (also known as James Price Point) in Western Australia – the site of the worlds largest Humpback Whale nursery.

With Woodside proposing the construction of the second largest gas processing plant in the world at Walmadan, Sea Shepherd launched ‘Operation Kimberley Miinimbi’ in order to bring worldwide attention to the Kimberley coastline and show the world what we all stand to lose if the development goes ahead.

Throughout the campaign, Fair Projects documented activities on board, and today we are pleased to bring you the short film, ‘Operation Kimberley Miinimbi’.

World's largest dinosaur footprint found in area for proposed gas precinct - ABC Kimberley WA - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The Strategic Report's assessment of dinosaur footprints near James Price Point has been criticised. The preliminary report on palaeontology concluded that dinosaur footprints would be destroyed by the construction of the gas precinct but that they were "...not of museum grade quality." But Dr Steve Salisbury from the University of Queensland says that the footprints in the James Price Point area are part of "...one of the most spectacular dinosaur coastlines in the world." He went on to say that destruction of any part of this would be a "tragedy". In February 2011, Ms McGowan, from the WA Department of State Development said "no dinosaur footprints had been found at James Price Point, but a small number of what were possibly fossilised impressions left by dinosaur feet had". I really hope Ms McGowan tunes in tonight for the following program. World's largest dinosaur footprint found in area for proposed gas precinct - ABC Kimberley WA - Australian Broadcasting Corporation:

ABC TV's Catalyst science program will show the discovery of the worlds largest dinosaur footprint by scientists in the area Woodside Petroleum is investigating for an LNG processing facility north of Broome.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-04/kimberley-dinosaur-track-sites-threatened/4293052

A leading palaeontologist says the integrity of globally unique dinosaur track sites in the Kimberley is being threatened by a proposed gas plant. 

Dr Steve Salisbury from the University of Queensland reveals discoveries of dinosaur footprints for the first time on ABC's Catalyst program tonight.

"It's a unique glimpse of an ancient ecosystem unmatched anywhere in the world," he said.
"This is our only window on Australia during the age of dinosaurs 130 million years ago."

Over the past year, Dr Salisbury has been working with the local Aboriginal community and Broome dinosaur enthusiasts to document the fossils near Woodside's proposed plant near James Price Point.
"Every time we come back there are new things emerging," he said.

"It would be very naive to believe that in a year we can figure it all out."

In July, WA's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) recommended the State Government approve Woodside's gas hub on the condition that "if fossils are found, disturbance should be avoided wherever possible".