Agreement step forward for Kimberley Browse LNG precinct

A Preliminary Development Agreement for the Kimberley Browse LNG precinct was signed on 3 October 2009, between the State Government and Woodside Energy Limited.

The agreement will allow key studies and planning for an LNG processing precinct for Browse Basin gas at James Price Point to progress.

The agreement saw Woodside appointed as a foundation commercial proponent for the precinct and as a partner with the State 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,” Premier Colin Barnett said.

The agreement outlines Woodside’s participation in environmental studies, strategic planning and community consultation related to the precinct and specifies that precinct development will be consistent with the Heads of Agreement, signed earlier this year between the State Government, Woodside and the Kimberley Land Council.

The State Government has 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.

Over coming months, many near and off-shore studies will take place as part of the information gathering process required to obtain environment, heritage and other approvals for the precinct.

A video on the proposed Kimberley LNG precinct is now available to view on-line at: http://www.premier.wa.gov.au/Ministers/Colin-Barnett/Pages/Video.aspx

Featuring interviews from local community members, Traditional Owners and governmental representatives, it focuses on some of the potential impacts of the LNG precinct on areas such as the environment, tourism and local employment, as well as the benefits to be gained by the local community and future generations.