Friends of Prices Point

Location, water requirements, shipping, workers, size, ' Greenhouse emissions' and timeline of the proposed gas hub.

2011-06-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

There are two location options for the gas hub if approved:
Option A: North of Prices Point
The distance to the deep water jetty is greater and the land is higher. More blasting and dredging is required. (Public Information Booklet DSD page 13).
Option B: South of Prices Point
Shorter distance to deepwater and the land is lower. Impact to vine thickets.
Less blasting and dredging required.

Water Requirements:
The project would require between 8-16 gigalitres annually (1 gigalitre = 1 billion litres) for the whole precinct. Broome is currently licensed for 8 gigalitres and uses 6 gigalitres annually. Fresh water is likely to come from either desalination of water from the Wallal aquifer or desalination of sea water. The Wallal aquifer is located 200 metres below the ground and is slightly salty. This aquifer is separate to the shallower Broome aquifer that is suitable for drinking.
During construction it is possible that a temporary water supply will be required. It is likely this will be from the Broome aquifer. (Page 75 Public Information Booklet DSD).

Wastewater:
30GL/year wastewater - (process waste water, ancillary equipment such ascondensed water, surface runoff from process areas, sewage and grey water. (Page 12 Marine Wastewater Discharge Modelling Study DHI WATER AND ENVIRONMENT PTY LTD for Woodside).
The treated wastewater will be discharged 2 to 3 kilometres off shore and according to the Public Information booklet DSD page 74 "the discharge poses negligible if any environmental risk."

Shipping:
Overall capacity of 50 million tonnes per year of LNG would mean 900 ships per year or 17 per week or just over 2 per day (Public Information Booklet DSD page 69).

Workers:
Peak construction workforce: 6000 on shore and 2000 offshore (Broome Advertiser page 9 August 18th).
Core workforce: 300 - 500 people for 40 years.
The vaste majority of the construction workforce is likely to be fly-in, fly-out and accommodated with a dedicated camp 5 km from the Coast. (Public Information Booklet DSD page 89)

Workers will probably do a 4 week on 1 week off roster. During the 4 week on period they could work 6 and a half days per week. Organised trips into Broome for shopping, recreation and tourism activities could be organized for the half day off. The many other people who support the village will not be tied to this construction roster and may have other arrangements including the possibility of being local residents of Broome who drive in drive out.
During construction of the Gas facility an extra $350 million expenditure for local business is planned, this does not include the proportion of wages etc that will also flow into the local economy. During the production phases this will drop to around $100 million p.a.

Size:
The proposed gas hub will be the largest in Australia, the second largest in the world and at least 3 times the size of the Karratha LNG plant. ($50 billion project)
2,500 hectares (25 square kilometres) of land (1980 hectares = LNG Processing area + Port land 110 hectares + 200 hectares Light Industrial area) and about 1,000 hectares (10 square kilometres) of sea bed which includes 2 kilometres of coastline. A further 968 hectares of land (10 square kilometres) will be used for the "ancillary' areas of onshore pipelines roads and service.
"The site will be set back 1.5 kilometres from the coast and beach access restrictions will be limited to less than 2 kilometres of coastline." (Shire News Issue 61 August 2011).
"Access to Prices Point and Quandong Point will be maintained throughout the life of the Precinct." (Shire New Issue 61 August 2011).

Greenhouse gas emissions:

"In producing LNG there are two major sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) which is the main greenhouse gas.

The first major source of greenhouse gas emissions relates to the generation of power.
Power is generated in a similar way to a gas fired power station like the one in Broome,
but larger. The exact amount of CO2 will depend on the design of the LNG plant but
would be less than 17 million tonnes of CO2 per annum for the production of 50 million tonnes of LNG per annum"
"The second major source of CO2 comes from the reservoir. This
results in approximately 15 million tonnes of CO2 per annum for 50 million tonnes of LNG per annum. Typically this 'reservoir CO2' will be vented to the atmosphere.
Woodside is investigating the option of reinjecting this CO2 back into a safe underground
formation where the gas will be trapped.
The plant will be designed to meet atmospheric emissions and discharge limits which
protect the health and safety of the community and protect the natural environment. This
will be a requirement of obtaining environmental approval and operating licences which
must be in place prior to the commencement of construction." Public Information Booklet page 82

The $33 billion INPEX liquefied natural gas project in Darwin is expected to increase greenhouse gas emissions in the Northern Territory by 30 per cent and Australian emissions by 1.3%.

Stuart Blanch from the Northern Territory Environment Centre says the project is expected to generate 280 million tonnes of emissions over 40 years.

Production is not expected to begin until 2016 a spokeswoman from Inpex says the company is still assessing greenhouse gas abatement options. (source AM 16th Jan 2012)

Dredging:

"Preliminary estimates indicate a total dredging volume for a southern James Price Point
site to be in the order of 6 to 8 million cubic metres or less than half the volume of the
northern site.
Total dredging volume for a northern James Price Point location would be approximately
15 to 20 million cubic metres". (DSD Information booklet 5.4)

Problems facing project:

"Technical difficulties, very high CO2 content with no abatement plans, environmental and heritage hurdles to jump, joint venture partner reluctance as well as significant local community opposition in Broome which is spreading through the country." (Environs Kimberley Jan 27th 2012).

Timetable.

2011 Geotechnical survey work at JPP

Social Impact Assessment

Complete FEED, Front End Engineering and Design

State and Commonwealth Environment Approvals

2012 Social Impact Management Plan finalised

EPC Contract awarded

Final investment decision (now moved out to 2013)

Plant construction commences

2017 Construction completed

Operations commence

It is estimated that over the past 12 months (2010/2011) Woodside have spent $20mill at over 100 businesses in Broome. This amount does not include sub contracting arrangements or flow on effects

Traditional owners approve gas hub

2011-05-06T02:51:00.000-07:00

Agreement was reached on May 6th 2011 between the State Government, Woodside Energy Ltd and the Goolarabooloo Jabirr Jabirr (GJJ) native title claim group for the gas hub at Prices Point.
The Traditional Owners have agreed to relinquish their native title interests in the 3,500ha of land (35 SQUARE KILOMETRES) and water required for the precinct in return for substantial benefits for indigenous people and continuing engagement in environmental and cultural heritage management at the precinct.

The agreement came after 4 years of negotiation.

When the precinct is no longer required the land will be remediated and returned to traditional owners as freehold.

The benefits are valued at more than $1.5billion over 30 years of the Woodside project and include:
· funds to establish businesses and investment
· funds for joint ventures (Indigenous Rangers program and cultural awareness training.) Broome Advertiser July 7th 2011 page 7.
· funds for the building of homes for GJJ and other indigenous people
· funds for education initiatives (literacy and work related programs - Broome Advertiser July 7th 2011.
· land for housing and businesses
· funds to support initiatives to address the social impacts of the precinct
· direct employment through the construction and operation of the precinct ("300 Indigenous jobs during construction" Broome Advertiser July 7th 2011 page 7 and minimum 15% of the work force will be Indigenous when it is operational (Broome Advertiser Nov 10, 2011 page 7)
· indirect employments through businesses maintaining and servicing the precinct
· State Government (Port Authority and LandCorp) and proponent training programs
· State Government (Port Authority and LandCorp) and proponent employment obligations and targets
· contract and tendering opportunities for GJJ buisnesses
· funds to enable traditional owners of the Kimberley to support, promote and protect Aboriginal culture and heritage
· reform of indigenous land tenure on the Dampier Peninsula to allow for home ownership and create economic development opportunities
· funds for the creation and joint management of conservation areas with the State Government (DEC).

"Benefits would be extended to Aboriginal people of the Dampier Peninsula and the wider Kimberley - delivering an unprecedented level of economic independence" Broome Advertiser July 7th 2011 page 4

It is anticipated that this agreement will be expected by the end of June 2011.

There still needs to be pprovals from:
WA Environmental Protection Authority
WA Environment Minister - DECEMBER 2011
Federal Environment Minister - Tony Burke
Woodside's joint venture partners - Shell, BP, BHP Billiton, Chevron
Woodside - Final Investment Decision is not due until April 2012.

Shire approves Woodside camp for Browse

2011-04-21T14:34:00.000-07:00

Broome Shire councillors approved Woodside's application for a temporary off site workers camp. The 45 hectare camp (HALF A SQUARE KILOMETRE) location is 15 kilometres from Broome and set 200 metres back from the Broome Derby Highway. It is also the site of the future airport for Broome. Purpose of the camp: 1. Early clearing of land. 2. build a temporary marine off-loading facility at the Browse LNG Precinct. 3. to accommodate workers employed to build the construction village at the Prices Point site. Plans for the camp: 1. accommodation for 600 workers. 2. restaurant and tavern/beer garden.medical, security and emergency response building. 3. recreational facilities - swimming pool and sports court. Timeline: 1.Detailed design phase at present. 2.construction to start if final investment decison is taken expected mid 2012. 3. facility operational 2 years later. The council motion included the condition to return the site to its orgininal state should the gas development at Prices Point not go ahead.

Compulsory acquisition

2010-09-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

The WA Government clarified that the area that will be acquired by the State for the gas hub at Prices Point will be 2,500 hectares of the land and about 1,000 hectares of sea bed which includes 2 kilometres of coastline. Around 2500 hectares (25 SQUARE KILOMETRES) will be used for gas processing, accommodation and third party contractors. A further 968 hectares of land will be used for the "ancillary' areas of onshore pipelines roads and services. In Jan 2011 it was reported that the area at Prices Point will be 25 square kilometres comprising 2000 hectares for the plant itself, 1000 hectares for common usage areas, 200 hectares for workers accommodation and 200 hectares for anxillary work for services supporting the precinct. It is disturbing to note that the public were told in 2008 that the Prices Point LNG plant would: ''require a few hundred metres of coastline and about 300 to 400 acres (1 and half square kilometres or 150 hectares) on the land which would not be accessible to the public." (December 20th 2008). Prices Point itself will remain intact with free access for recreational purposes if the plant goes ahead. There will be a track from a sealed road between the Precinct and the Cape Leveque Road.

The federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, recently extended until June 2011 the consultation period for an assessment of the heritage values of the Kimberley.

Woodside, Shell, Chevron, BHP and BP will not make a final investment decision until at least mid 2012.

Broome - the next Karratha?

2010-08-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

In August 2005, Woodside was investigating the viability of the Quandong area for a 500 hectare natural gas plant to service the Browse Basin 400 km north of Broome. The company did the preliminary surveys with the Kimberley Land Council and met with the senior law bosses of the Dampier Peninsula in Sept 2005.

Now that the Federal court has thrown out legal action being taken by Kimberley gas hub opponent, Joseph Roe, traditional owners are continuing to deliberate their next move.

Meanwhile, the Broome Shire President has recently said that if thousands of workers start building a gas hub north of Broome they must be kept in a closed camp.

Broome Shire president Graeme Campbell says the shire expects the gas hub to go ahead and wants to minimise its social impacts on the town.

Woodside says it expects the hub will take five years to build with 6000 workers (Broome Advertiser page 9 August 18th 2011) employed at peak construction. Mr Campbell said the shire was in serious talks with Woodside and the West Australian government about fly-in, fly-out workers being housed in a closed camp at the gas hub site." If they stayed in town, that would be the end of our tourism, because they would fill every bed and every accommodation house at whatever cost."And if large numbers of workers descended on Broome on a Friday night "all hell breaks loose in the town", Mr Campbell said."We are adamant it must be a closed camp."
The plans I've seen for the camp, they have ovals, they have swimming pools, they have taverns, they have recreation facilities, and as part of their contract they won't be leaving the camp," Mr Campbell said."

Mr Campbell said Woodside had agreed that workers transiting through Broome airport or visiting town must be in civvies, not work uniforms.
Workers would also be barred from going to the beach or fishing near local indigenous communities, he said.

But Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) WA construction division secretary Kevin Reynolds said the union opposed a closed camp and restrictions on workers. He said construction companies increasingly wanted to treat workers who lived in construction camps like prisoners."We're even being dictated to what they're going to wear." They're not locked up in a prison camp. Broome is a beautiful town but it's an open town and it's open to anyone, including construction workers," Mr Reynolds said."It's just ludicrous. What are they going to do, put up Gestapo pillboxes and road blocks to check everyone?"

Woodside corporate affairs adviser Paul Ryan said the venture was developing a code of conduct for workers to strike a balance between providing economic opportunities for Broome and minimising social impacts.He would not be drawn on whether the camp would be a closed one but said the code of conduct addressed how workers should behave and dress "in order to fit in with the local culture and lifestyle of Broome".That included workers not wearing work clothes while travelling or when in town after hours.Mr Ryan said fly-in workers would have to abide by beach and fishing restrictions.

(Source AAP)

The fine print details

2010-05-02T00:17:00.000-07:00

It is now becoming clearer what impact an LNG gas plant would be on the Peninsula from a physical point of view if the project is approved.
This design was on view at the NW Expo in Broome recently. It is a conceptual layout not necessarily the final design and not to scale. (Used with permission).

Prices Point and Quandong Point will remain intact with free access for recreational purposes for the life of the precinct. (Shire News Issue 61 August 2011.)

If given the go ahead, the LNG plant will be located south of Prices Point - it seems at least about a kilometre.

The fenced area will be approx. 2000 hectares (20 square kilometres or 4942 acres)

The construction area will be approx. 500 hectares (5 square kilometres or 1235 acres) within the fenced area and located at least 1 kilometre inland from the shore line.

The area of beach which would be off limits would be approx 1 and half kilometres

The area of marine impact would be approx. 1000 hectares (10 square kilometres)

The jetty and loading facilities would be approx. 1 kilometre from the shore line.

There will be two enviromental impacts to consider (Federal Govt and Woodside) . The Federal Environmental Minister will make clear the Governments recommendations by late 2010.

The investment decision by Woodside will be made by mid 2012. By this stage all approvals and design work will be completed.

If all hurdles are cleared, Woodside aim to have construction finished by 2017.

Woodside aim to generate 600 direct jobs during the ongoing operations phase and up to 5000 direct jobs during peak construction.

According to LNG literature, noise levels are understood to be low and emissions from the plant also low. Conservationists are concerned by the likelihood of a 600-900 MW power station, a desalination plant and tonnes of carbon dioxide emission into the air .

Of major concern would be the effects of dredging and blasting on the marine life of that area and the ongoing movements of up to 600 supertankers per year.

It is disturbing to note that the public were told in 2008 that the Prices Point LNG plant would:

''require a few hundred metres of coastline and about 300 to 400 acres (1 and half square kilometres or 150 hectares) on the land which would not be accessible to the public." (December 20th 2008).

SOCIAL IMPACTS ON BROOME:

The cost of housing - rental properties?

The availability of medical and dental services which are already under pressure

3500-5000 fly in /fly out workers.

Tourism?

A friend under threat

2010-02-28T13:51:00.000-08:00

I was taken by friends along the red, dusty, winding 60 kilometre track to Prices Point early in the wet season of 1979. The bush was lush having been refreshed once more by the annual welcome rain. As we reached our destination the road before us cleared to reveal a pristine panorama of ocean beauty. Beyond us in the distance was an impressive unspoilt tower of red cliffs which hugged the shoreline into the far horizon. Immediately in front of us tranquil, turquoise blue water was filling the beach with an incoming tide. Over the years I had been accustomed to sharing dull green beaches and yellow sand with hordes of holiday makers in Victoria, but today we had this paradise to ourselves. I couldn’t believe the striking, vivid colours contrasting with each other in dazzling array. No wonder I found myself reaching for a camera.

It was on this day that I was introduced to ‘real’ fishing. In no time at all we were walking out across the rocks with 80lb hand lines. As we found a likely spot, I momentarily pondered on the strength of my rig until the reel I was holding was almost ripped from my hands. I clumsily wound in the line which revealed an enormous Blue bone head. Obviously, I hadn’t been quick enough because a shark had neatly chomped the body from behind the gills. From that day on, I was hooked.

Over the past 30 years, I would estimate that I’ve fished and camped at Prices Point well over 200 times and I’d have to say, that place has seldom let me down. The fishing has been unbelievable! Sure it’s mostly been Blue bone, which has got to be one of the best fish in the ocean, but there’s always been an impressive variety of other species too.How you could refer to this area as ‘unremarkable’ is beyond me. Call me weird, but I’m not ashamed to admit that I have been found hugging trees at Prices Point because each time I go there it’s like coming back to an old friend.

On more than one occasion I have walked the Lurrujarri Trail from Prices Point to Quondong with some of the traditional owners. This has helped me come to appreciate the significance of the area which has been preserved in its natural state over thousands of years.The more time you spend at Prices Point the more you see. Individual rocks and rock pools become familiar landmarks in your mind and the corals in the fishing channel are delightful with their variety and beauty. Of course on very low tides you can take your hammer and screw driver out for a feed of oysters.

And there is much more to the area than fishing and camping. Paul Foulkes, a noted local botanist, spent endless hours drawing the unique flora at Prices Point and scouring the rocks for evidence of the dinosaur age. This was back before we ever thought this place could one day be under threat of clearing and dredging.Areas like Prices Point are becoming rare in a world that cries out for industrial development. To have such a peaceful spot at our door step for everyone to enjoy is something to be valued and treasured.I’ve been lucky enough to appreciate Prices Point over many long years, but I’m fearful that the next generation will be looking through a high meshed fence at a massive gas plant.

Indecent haste to demand a deadline on gas decision

2009-12-05T21:40:00.000-08:00

There are still vital issues to consider before any decision is made about a gas processing hub at Prices Point. Tthe Browse decision cannot be rushed and the alternative of processing gas at the North West Shelf facilities at Karratha still needs to be fully examined. With the issuing of a four month deadline by Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson on the venture partners to come up with a decision to choose Prices Point as a condition of lease renewal, the directive speaks of indecent haste. Does this deadline make irrelevant the environmental, heritage and social impacts currently being undertaken?

Martin Ferguson steps in with a deadline

2009-12-05T21:08:00.000-08:00

Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson has put the pressure on the warring Kimberley LNG parties by setting a time limit of FOUR MONTHS to settle their differences and choose a development path for the $30 billion Browse Basin gas project. In granting the renewal leases that cover the project's Browse Basin gas fields, Mr Ferguson said that the joint venture partners had to aim for a final investment for the project within three years, as part of the renewal conditions.Woodside Petroleum has been battling the other partners - Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell, BHP Billiton and BP for some time as to the best way forward.Woodside opts strongly for Prices Point whereas the other partners are considering the Browse gas to be used when their other gas resources start running out from 2020.
Martin Ferguson has directed that that the joint venture partners spend $1.25 billion in the next two and a half years developing their Browse gas fields through the Prices Point LNG hub.
The government has directed the partners that they have 30 days to accept its conditions of coming up with a concept plan by April 2010 and moving toward a final investment decision by mid-2012.
Woodside has suggested that the first gas could be developed in 2016 or 2017.
Shell has hinted the project could be as much as $50bn.

The future through a 'crystal ball'

2009-09-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

When the final decision is made on processing LNG at Prices Point, the week of August (2nd - 7th) 2009 could prove to be very significant. During this time, the Port Authority in Broome negotiated 15 hectares for Woodside to provide a supply base for the Browse Basin gas and Peter Garrett discussed the LNG site at Prices Point with the Traditional owners. Peter Garrett has a long history of rapport with Aboriginal people here in Broome going back to when he performed on the McAlpine PCYC oval over ten years ago.

It seems logical that he would have been very open to the viewpoints presented by the KLC and the Traditional owners who see the LNG project as the window for delivering a range of benefits to the Aboriginal people including housing, health and education.
Peter Garrett will make the final decision in November 2010 and it is also clear that Martin Ferguson, the Federal Minister for Mines and Energy, is fully supportive of using Prices Point for the LNG hub.

The environmental impact study will not be helped by the widespread bush fires that have once again burnt the vine thickets and surrounding bush in the Prices Point area in early August 2009.

The arrival of Lord McAlpine in the mid 80's marked the start of major development in Broome when the population was less than 5000. If the LNG gas hub is given the green light, we can expect another dramatic impact on Broome and the environment, similar to the outcomes experienced in the Pilbara. The population, housing prices and rents will go through the roof and Broome will take on a much more industrial character.

It's a shame that 'progress' demands that the natural environment which has been untouched for millions of years is sacrificed and what we once enjoyed and loved will be gone forever.

Kimberley whale survey shows highest numbers near proposed LNG hub

2009-09-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

An aerial whale survey off the Kimberley coast has recorded the highest population numbers of Humpback Whales in the near vicinity of James Price Point - a site proposed for a massive industrial LNG gas processing facility.

The whale survey conducted on the weekend (29/30 August) with the assistance of Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures and The Wilderness Society recorded a staggering 162 Humpback whales in 102 separate pods between Gourdon Bay in the south to the Lacepede Islands in the north, with the highest concentration recorded in the vicinity of the proposed industrial site at James Price Point. (source - Richard Costin and Environs Kimberley)

What a 'price' to pay!

2009-08-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

The 3,500 hectare gas processing plant at James Price Point would need two 125 megawatt power stations, a desalination plant, an airport and a town for 3,500 construction workers, as well as a new port capable of accommodating gas super-tankers at an environmentally sensitive site in the Kimberley.
The industrial site has been proposed for an area previously earmarked by government for a national park. A number of internationally threatened species, including Humpback Whales, endangered Turtles, Dugong, Snub-fin Dolphin and Sawfish would be at risk from the dredging and blasting of reefs and seagrass beds for a new port, as well as from the huge increase in shipping.
The Federal Minister for the Environment will make a decision in mid-2010 about whether or not the gas proposal can go ahead in the Kimberley,’ said Mr Pritchard.
(Excerpts from the press release August 3rd of Martin Pritchard – Environs Kimberley)

The K.L.C. wants action on royalties

2009-08-04T23:54:00.000-07:00

The Kimberley Land Council has urged the Venture Partners who are opposed to bringing gas onshore in the Kimberley to resolve their differences concerning the $30 Billion LNG gas project at Prices Point so that the promised $1.5 Billion in benefits such as jobs, housing and health care can be delivered to the Traditional owners. The K.L.C. is also seeking $1 Billion in separate royalties from the Federal Government to raise living standards of the local Aboriginal people. A quick resolution seems unlikely on both issues. (Based on an article by Andrew Burrell in the Financial Review - August 2009)

Piping LNG to the Pilbara or a floating facility

2009-07-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

A subsea pipeline to the Pilbara is Woodside Petroleum’s main option for the $30 billion Browse LNG project if it cannot convince its wavering partners to support an onshore plant at James Price Point. Mr Barnett said the government would not grant the necessary approvals, such as pipeline easements, for such a plan to proceed. And though the state government would have no jurisdiction to stop the alternative of a floating LNG facility at Browse, he said the technology was only suitable for smaller LNG projects, such as Shell’s proposed $3 billion Prelude FLNG venture nearby. Nonetheless, Shell and Woodside have in the past identified FLNG technology as a possible option for both the Browse project and the big but remote Sunrise LNG project in the Timor Sea. Mr Barnett said it was time Woodside’s Browse partners – Chevron, Shell, BHP Billiton and BP – accept reality and back the Kimberley hub. Chevron and Shell are understood to be the main parties still unconvinced that the onshore hub is the best option,(Excerpts from WA Business News 30th July 2009)

Whale sightings at Prices Point

2009-07-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

Richard Costin and observers on MV Odyssey observed Humpback whales feeding off the Kimberley coast on Friday the 24th of July 2009, 7 nautical miles from James Price Point. Not previously thought to feed in Kimberley waters, the whales were observed feeding with a pod of 20 Pilot Whales, 3 Bottlenose Dolphins and flocks of sea birds. Mr Costin and his partner, Annabelle Sandes, from Kimberley Whale Watching, have spent the last three years studying and filming the Kimberleyʼs Humpback Whales and other cetaceans.
In total 23 pods representing 43 whales were observed between Broome and James Price Point, over a three and a half hour period. This represents 12.28 whales per hour of sighting effort.

Woodside wants action at Prices Point

2009-07-03T00:57:00.000-07:00

Woodside Petroleum it seems will consider putting pressure on the Federal Government to strip its multinational Venture Parters including Cheron and Shell of their Browse Basin liquefied natural gas leases if an agreement cannot be reached. These leases expired in December 2008 and are up for renewal. Federal Resources Minister, Martin Ferguson, has threatened that companies cannot sit on valuable gas reserves without developing them. Woodside is the principal developer with a 50% stake in Browse gas. Chevron, Shell, BHP Billiton and BP make up the remaining 50%. Martin Ferguson supports developing Browse gas at Prices Point but what clout has Peter Garrett, the Environmental Minister, in the final decision? The proposal has yet to be approved; the environmental assessment of the project will not be completed until late 2010. Already the proposed construction date, if the project gets the go ahead, has shifted from 2011 to 2013.
(based on an article in the West Australian July 3rd 2009)

The choice is made in late 2009 for Browse LNG

2009-07-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

The June deadline has now passed with no agreement between Woodside and its joint Venture Partners. No wonder there is hesitation, since Karratha is looming as the logical choice over Prices Point for the Browse LNG because:

The North West Shelf's infrastructure near Karratha is already in place.
Woodside's partners: Shell (8.3%), Chevron (16.7%), BHP Billiton (8.3%) and BP (16.7%) would be considering the strong option of refilling the N.W.S. reserves when they run low in 10 years time with Browse LNG.
Piping gas from the Browse to Karratha is a far cheaper option than construction of a hub at Prices Point.
There are uncertainties concerning the KLC especially with their recent negotiations with the Federal Government regarding future benefits for traditional owners.
Environmental groups and the Broome Shire are opposed to LNG development at Prices Point.
Woodside's partners are already heavily committed to other projects including Gorgon which has three times the gas reserves of Browse and is the biggest resources project in Australian history.
In the present economic downturn, will the joint Venture Partners be wary about developing a greenfields site at Prices Point especially now that the cost of the project may have blown out to as much as $50 billion.
The development of the Woodside Browse will only incrementally boost LNG output which makes it very hard to justify another expensive project at Prices Point.
If Shell is working on a floating LNG plant, why is this not an option for Browse LNG?

(these views based on an article in the West Australian July 1st 2009)

The gas hub promises

2009-05-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

The gas hub is a $185 billion, 30-year project.
Woodside expects 6000 fly-in fly-out jobs will be created during the five-year construction phase, alongside hundreds of positions for local indigenous groups when its proposed $20 billion Browse Basin LNG project gets going, possibly as early as 2011.
The deal promises to deliver something between $1.5billion and $2 billion to the traditional owners, known as the Goolarabooloo Jabirr Jabirr Native Title Claim Group.
Several traditional owners did not attend the signing of the agreement yesterday, including "law man" Joseph Roe, who says the pipeline will cut through his songline. Frank Sebastian's son, Neil McKenzie, a Jabirr Jabirr man did not sign.

The project, which is still subject to an environmental impact statement and a final signoff by Woodside over the next six months, would put an LNG plant measuring 3km by 3km on the coast north of Broome to receive gas from offshore wells.
The package for the Jabirr Jabirr people promises improved health and education, land, housing, and employment as well as a financial settlement.

The LNG processing site could be located anywhere
between Flat Rock and Quandong, up to 5km inland on
a 3,000-hectare site. The massive breakwater and extensive
dredging of the seabed (annually, should the project
go ahead) could extend kilometres out to sea.
(Extracts taken from the news report in the Australian Newspaper)

The Law custodian of Prices Point refuses to sign gas deal

2009-04-24T23:47:00.000-07:00

The law custodian of Prices Point will not sign the gas hub access deal.
Goolarabooloo elder Joseph Roe voted against the development at last week's meeting.
He says he has widespread support for his fight to stop the project.
"At the end of the day, my job is to protect what I've been handed down from generation to generation, that's Bugarigaara, or Dreamtime," he said.
"I have to stand up as a law boss and protect it and keep it behind me.
"I'll make sure no-one comes down and destroys that."

Traditional owners say "Yes"

2009-04-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

Today Traditional land owners voted to accept the establishment of an LNG precinct at James Price Point.
Premier Colin Barnett said the landmark agreement, involving the Kimberley Land Council and Woodside, provided comprehensive native title and cultural heritage agreements and land tenure arrangements.
The precinct, 60km north of Broome, will occupy about 1000ha but with accommodation, ancillary services and a land and sea buffer, the total area could be up to 3500ha.
The site will be subjected to an environmental assessment before development proceeds.
Woodside can begin construction by mid to late 2011.

Heritage Concert

2009-04-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

WHAT A CONCERT! With 4,500 through the gate, it had a wonderful feeling of community, with families and friends reclining on the grass together in true Broome style.

Walmadany needs a voice

2009-03-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY MARCH 27th 2009
MALE OVAL, CHINATOWN, BROOME
NO ALCOHOL

featuring
PIGRAM BROTHERS
JOHN BUTLER
SCRAP METAL
KUCKLES
SHANE HOWARD
ERNIE DINGO
ROB HIRST (midnight oil)
PATRICK DAVIES
WIL THOMAS & THE HOPEFUL 3
NAOMI PIGRAM
ANGUS GRANT (scotland)
TONCHI MCINTOSH
KIMBERLEY RIDERS

FREE ENTRY from 4pm
Donations gratefully accepted at entrance/exit gate to help cover costs of concert

Law Keeper and Custodian for the Goolarabooloo heritage, Joseph Roe, has asked the Pigram Brothers and friends to create this cultural celebration - Walmadany Concert for Heritage

The WA State Government have said they will build a gas processing precinct at Walmadany (James Price Point) 60 km north of Broome on the Kimberley coast and are even prepared to compulsorily acquire this land.
Apart from the obvious environmental and social impact of such proposed industrialization, this event hopes to draw attention to the significant social and cultural values at stake in Broome should this development proceed.

Excerpt from the invitation to artists :

The law and song cycles of Walmadany (James Price Point) are not ancient dreamtime history. This law has been kept alive through my grandfather Paddy Roe and now through me. If the threatened development goes ahead our Country is gone for good. Our Country holds our heritage including burial sites, and most importantly the Song Cycle that runs through this country from the north of the Dampier Peninsula from Burringbarr (Swan Point) to Wabbina (Bidyadanga) Your voice can help draw attention to this great plight and help protect our ancient and sacred song cycles Bugarigaara (Dreamtime)........JOSEPH ROE, LAW KEEPER & CUSTODIAN GOOLARABOOLOO

Organiser, Alan Pigram said the event was not a protest concert, but rather a celebration of Price's Point and its cultural significance.

"My concern is for that country, not anything else really, it's not opposition to gas or other development, but THAT COUNTRY NEEDS A VOICE,'' he said.

Alan Pigram said Prices Point had played a big role in his life and that of his family.

One of the proudest things for me when these artists come to town is to take them up that coastline, it's part of our lifestyle to do that, the pride in being able to to that, to show them that area and to tell them all the stories," he said

Traditional owners aim for LNG deal

2009-02-28T23:00:00.000-08:00

A committee was elected representing traditional owners from the area (Goolarabooloo and Jabirr-Jabirr) around the proposed LNG processing site at Prices Point to negotiate a deal with the State Government and Woodside which includes:
• Long term jobs ands benefits
• Traditional owners want to be economic partners not victims to be compensated.
The Committee will report back to the wider traditional owner group at the end of March for a decision whether to continue negotiations. A final agreement is not expected to be reached until the end of the year.
Premier Barnett wants an agreement by March 31st after which he will consider compulsory acquisition.

Fly in, fly out politicians

2009-02-11T03:07:00.000-08:00

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls came with a 'fly in fly out' visit to tell us that 'more people could get to know the Kimberley if a gas hub was built.'

At the same time Federal Energy Minister Martin Ferguson lobbed in for a one day visit to inform us that:

An LNG hub would not be bad for tourism - will only take a small area of land - be environmentally clean and employ a couple of hundred people.
An LNG hub would help overcome indigenous disadvantage through investment in communities.

As Robert Vaughan wrote in the Advertiser on Feb 12th - "Broome would be well advised to take a good look at the train wreck BHP left at Ravensthorpe."

ALP Broome Branch rejects gas hub

2009-01-31T14:22:00.000-08:00

'The ALP Broome Branch does not support the location of a gas processing hub in the Kimberley and surrounding waters.' 16th December 2008

Gas information forum - 27th/28th March

2009-01-30T14:07:00.000-08:00

The Shire has endorsed a $30,000 budget line to support and organise a community forum on the Gas issue. This forum will invite all groups including, the Chamber, the Airport, Woodside and other Resource companies, Dept of Resources and non Government Agencies such as environmental groups.
The idea of the forum is to provide the community with a one stop forum to get a range of information on the issue and to have those questions answered.
The forum will be held on 27/28 March and all environmental groups will be invited to participate.
Hopefully this forum will be an opportunity for the people of Broome to hear all sides of the issue.

Other LNG gas options are being considered.

2009-01-25T22:37:00.000-08:00

"Given the high level of environmental concern about gas processing developments on the Kimberley coastline, the various Browse Basin (companies) are increasingly considering
either floating development options (like Royal Dutch Shell and Nexus energy) or a tie
back to exisisting infrastructure.

Woodside will decide by the end of June whether to construct a pipeline to link its Browse Basin fields to existing liquefied natural gas plants on the Burrup Peninsula.

Should the WA Govenment proposed Kimberley LNG hub concept fail then (other
companies) would be expected to follow the lead by Inpex and pipe any Browse
Basin gas to Darwin." Source: "The West Australian" Jan 26th 2009

Will Woodside shelve Prices Point?

2009-01-17T03:03:00.000-08:00

Interesting that Woodside have blamed souring market conditions for shelving two natural gas projects recently. Natural gas futures in New York have dropped 57% in the past 6 months and crude oil prices have plunged 74%. Woodside Natural Gas - a US unit of Perth based Woodside Petroleum had suspended its proposed natural gas import project for the LA region. "We must acknowledge the impact of the current market ...... we are withdrawing our application for the time being," Woodside Natural Gas president said. Meanwhile, BG group, Britain's third largest natural gas producer has cancelled plans to build a $750 million power plant in Australia. Market analysts are predicting a poor year for Woodside during 2009 due to difficulty in raising capital and the low price of fossil fuels.
Does this mean anything for the development of Prices Point - we can only wait and see.

Where to from here?

2008-12-30T23:32:00.000-08:00

Woodside will decide between the Kimberley and Karratha after the 3 month negotiations in 2009 with the KLC and when research is completed into the environmental, heritage and social impacts on the Kimberley. The decision is expected in late June 2009

The two locations currently under consideration for LNG processing by Woodside are:

James Prices Point on the Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley; or
Woodside-operated facilities located near Karratha.

http://www.woodside.com.au

Woodside was invited by Indigenous traditional owners to recommence discussions on the possibility of developing an LNG facility in the Kimberley. Woodside are committed to negotiating with the KLC.

An LNG precinct would occupy approximately 3 km of coastline according to Woodside and this is in line with the findings of the Northern Task force.

But let's not forget that with dredging and reclamation the entire 'footprint' at Prices Point is 10 kilometres of shore line and 5 kilometres offshore with a entire footprint zone effect of 5000 hectares (land and sea) which is also included in the Northern Task Force report.

Background information to the LNG proposal

2008-12-24T03:53:00.000-08:00

Since 2007, more than 40 possible Kimberley sites were considered and four sites, including James Price Point, were short-listed in October 2008.

“This process has a completion date of March 31, 2009, after which the State Government will begin land acquisition processes.

The Northern Development Taskforce started work on selecting a site for an LNG development in the Kimberley in June 2007. It has produced or commissioned at least 22 reports into environmental, indigenous and other issues surrounding the proposal.

There were also 243 written submissions on the site selection (shortlist) report plus 46 verbal submissions, a three day workshop in Broome in July and an Environmental Protection Authority report and other reports commissioned by the Commonwealth.

Crunch time for Prices Point

2008-12-24T03:40:00.000-08:00

No wonder the public is often cynical about politics when we are told just before the festive season about a decision which will change our region irrevocably with a 1000 to 2000 hectare slice of Kimberley coast given over to industrial development of which a large chunk will be on the land. If Prices Point is taken by our State Government for an LNG gas factory, the 4 kilometre long dredging required, will scrape out the grave for the Broome surrounds, and the drilling and pile driving for the construction of 'a significant jetty' will pound at the very heart of our Kimberley coastline. This destruction of our pristine environment is a very heavy price to pay. What’s going to be the effect of the next 50 years of major quantities of waste water from the extraction process, atmospheric pollution and ballast from the tankers? The next three months of consultation is far too short in considering cultural, heritage, environmental and social impacts on Broome and the wider area. The threat of 'compulsory acquisition' is a poor substitute if negotiations get bogged down with traditional owners. The Conservation Council is right by drawing a line in the sand and launching an International campaign against this proposal while arguing that the Browse gas should be piped to the Pilbara instead where the infrastructure is already in place.

Brian Kane Broome.

Is the Premier downsizing the chosen site?

2008-12-19T20:37:00.000-08:00

You may like to compare the statement by the Premier today with the Northern Task Force evaluation report released in Oct 2008 :

The Premier stated that the project will ''require a few hundred metres of coastline and about 300 to 400 acres (150 hectares) on the land which would not be accessible to the public." (December 20th)

The Northern Task Force evaluation report page 16:
For the purpose of the evaluation, an area 3 kilometres long-shore and 4 kilometres offshore (1000 hectares) was considered to be the 'footprint' associated with construction. Turbidity from dredging and reclamatinon would have effects extending beyong the footprint over a notional 5000 hectare (10 kilometres long-shore and 5 kilometres offshore) zone of effect.

Which leaves us with the question - Is the Premier downsizing the effected area in his public comments?

The Premier meets opponents of the gas presinct

2008-12-19T17:35:00.000-08:00

The Premier met with about 30 opponents of the gas presinct today on the lawn area in front of the Cable Beach Resort.
It was well covered by the media. It seems that an announcement is imminent as soon as next week as to the preferred site. The Premier stated that the project will ''require a few hundred metres of coastline and about 400 acres on the land which would not be accessible to the public." The entire area including the ocean would require 1000 hectares according to the Northern Task Force. Once the preferred site is indicated "an Environmental and Heritage assessment will be carried out and the hub will bring training, education and employment to Broome" according to the Premier.

The Premier flew up to Prices Point and North Head yesterday and walked on the beach in both places.

EPA report

2008-12-18T17:16:00.000-08:00

The EPA has ruled out Anjo and North Head on environmental grounds and stated that Prices Point and Gourdon Bay will have the least environmental impact, but the Premier said there are other issues to consider.

It's time to mobilise

2008-12-18T16:31:00.000-08:00

As soon as the week before Christmas, Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett is likely to announce a proposed site for a major industrial development on the Kimberley coast - on land he is prepared to forcibly remove from Traditional Owners, through compulsory acquisition laws.

With no further negotiations or scientific research, a 1000ha slice of Kimberley coast will be given over to liquefied natural gas (LNG) industrial development - threatening majestic humpback whales and numerous endangered species including dugong and flatback turtles.
It is time to let Woodside Ltd - the major Australian fossil fuel company leading the charge to industrialise the Kimberley coast - know that the people of Australia do not want to see the iconic Kimberley's natural environment sacrificed to short-sighted industrial development.

Broome Shire Council stands up for the environment

2008-12-17T04:11:00.001-08:00

In one of the most important debates for the future of Broome, the Shire Council made a strong stand for the environment by passing 4 motions:
1. That turtles are given more protection against the impact of vehicles on Cable Beach. There will be a restriction on vehicles 500m north of Gantheaume Point to Coconut Wells during the key times, tides and dates which coincide with the nesting of turtles. This will not inconvenience the general public as the restrictions mostly occur at night.
2. The Council does not support the location of a gas processing hub/presinct along the coastline within the Shire of Broome. The Council calls for more direct consultation and wants to explore other development options.
3. The Council will host a forum to inform and educate people within the Shire on the direct impacts - economic, environment and social of an LNG hub/presinct.
4. The Council will express to our Sister City Taiji the community of Broome's concerns about the culling and slaughter of dophins and the apparent condoning of this practice by the Taiji City Council.

Gas protest in Broome

2008-12-17T04:03:00.000-08:00

A vocal crowd of more than 400 concerned residents took to the streets of Broome to protest against the proposed LNG hub on the Kimberley coastline. After impassioned speeches from Neil McKenzie, Save the Kimberley's Kevin Blatchford and Beagle Bay resident Albert Wiggan a strong chant of ''gas free Kimberley, hands off country'' arose. A march down Hamersley Street with a police escort then followed ending at Male oval. (courtesty Broome Advertiser December 18th 2008)

Carol Martin MP switches her views

2008-12-12T05:31:00.000-08:00

Kimberley MLA Carol Martin said the Chamber of Commerce was wrong to suggest the LNG hub needed to be close to Broome. She also said she now did not support any of the four sites, and was especially concerned development at North Head would impact on the lifestyle of her family.

Broome Advertiser December 11th.

Explaining environmental destruction to our grandchildren.

2008-12-01T03:37:00.001-08:00

Colin Barnett is adamant that the LNG industrialization of the Dampier Peninsula will go ahead irrespective of any opposition. Many Kimberley people are against the destruction of our pristine coastline, but are adopting a fatalistic attitude: “It’s going to happen anyway, so get on board!” Nothing could be further from the truth.

Elsewhere in Australia, Gunn’s pulp mill in Tasmania was given the go ahead by the State Government, but is now on shaky ground mainly because it’s so unpopular with the people of the region. Foreign investors are withdrawing interest and the Federal Government is meticulously upholding environmental standards. We all remember Tasmania’s divisive dam’s issue of the 1980s which thankfully was defeated.

I am appealing to all those in opposition to the proposed social and environmental destruction of the Dampier Peninsula to maintain their optimism and trust in people power.

Let’s say Barnett gets his own way, a fast-forward picture twenty years from now will see Broome becoming an extension of the Pilbara. At least then, I can look my grandchildren in the eye and say “I was opposed to this madness!”

Damian Kelly, Broome

MP picks Prices Point

2008-11-22T21:14:00.000-08:00

The lead story in the Broome Advertiser Oct 23rd 2008

MLA Carol Martin nominated James Prices Point as her preferred locations for a gas processing hub.
Mrs Martin described Price's Point, a popular recreatioin spot, as ideal because ''it has all that rock it will give them a stable base to develop on,'' she said.
"There's other places people can go (for recreation) - there's thousands of kilometres of coastline."
The Northern Development Task report described Price's Point as technically viable, leaving Aboriginal lands on the north of the Peninsula free of industry, and offering the potential to share infrasure with Broome.
But it also said development would impact on sensitive marine industries, along with putting pressure on the tourism industry and the character of Broome.

Is North Head the preferred option?

2008-11-22T19:54:00.000-08:00

Woodside have stated they prefer North Head for the LNG gas presinct.
NDT indicated that Prices Point will cost $1 Billion more than North Head.
Premier Colin Barnett also supports North Head.

Broome Chamber of Commerce supports Prices Point

2008-11-21T13:15:00.001-08:00

The Broome Chamber of Commerce recently did a complete turn about on the site location.

In July 2008 they did not believe it should be near Broome because of potential business and social impacts.
In October they supported the new Premier’s position on North Head saying that it was far enough away from Broome.
In November, after Barnet visited Broome, the Chamber decided to support James Prices Point.

Looks like Prices Point!

2008-11-11T04:53:00.000-08:00

The logical preferred site for an LNG gas hub in the Kimberley is Prices Point because of its proximity to Broome with its existing infrastructure. One of the key factors for the Joint Venture in their decision is the employment of an initial workforce of over 4000 which reduces to 500 in the longer term.

The Shire has rightly called for an urgent full Social Impact review to be undertaken. Will this Venture ‘break the poverty cycle’ in the Broome or will it further push the disadvantaged to the fringe because of higher prices? Won’t most of the gas industry jobs be in fact specialist positions?

Let’s not kid ourselves that the opposition of a few thousand Broome residents will stand in the way of the State and Federal Government when billions of dollars of revenue are at stake. Colin Barnett has warned that ‘he will bypass the consultation process and acquire land for the processing hub if an agreement with traditional owners can't be reached’.

If the Joint Venture aims to process gas by 2013, can’t they pipe it to the Pilbara or Darwin and leave the pristine beauty of the Kimberley in tact for Eco tourism which will generate a vast number of jobs.

Brian Kane Broome.

Prices Point is too precious

2008-11-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

Is James Prices Point worth preserving in its natural state – after all there’s only bush, sand, pindan cliffs and rocks there? Maybe so, but anyone who has taken the time to travel the 60 kilometres from Broome on the winding track which eventually reveals the pristine beauty of this unique spot could not but be moved. Having made the trip myself on numerous occasions over the past thirty years to camp, fish and explore, it’s hard to believe that this peaceful area may soon change forever. Presently, there are no unsightly human structures of any type to be seen, no matter how far you may squint into the far horizon.

Isn’t Prices Point a very significant site for Aboriginal people who have strong connections to the Lurrujarri Trail? In a previous newspaper, the ‘Broome News’ over 20 years ago, Paddy Roe, the guardian and Law keeper stated that Price Point was a ‘non-development zone to be used as per tradition for camping, learning and recreation’.

There are limited areas within easy driving distance where ‘Broomites’ can get away and unwind, so why take away Prices Point from them? Obviously, off shore gas will bring wealth and mega development but is it worth the environmental cost?

Progress will no doubt mean a sealed road in the not to distant future where we can reach Prices Point in half the time and then won’t we be delighted to show our children the LNG gas hub?

Brian Kane

Social impact of LNG Plant at Prices Point

2008-11-07T12:38:00.000-08:00

Don’t we appreciate so much our unspoilt beaches, our laid back outdoors lifestyle, our pearling history and our unique multicultural community here in Broome? After all, it’s the reason why we live here and it’s the magnet which draws tourists from all over the world.

Having lived in Karratha, I decided to move to Broome because I wanted to live in a town rich in social and cultural history - not a mining town! You only have to look at the impact an LNG plant has had on Karratha and on that beautiful area of the Pilbara. If this plant goes ahead at Price Point, Broome will become another Karratha where the only people who are looked after are the LNG plant workers. The rest of us will not be able to afford housing, flights, services and goods.

As well as a large number of environmental considerations, there are also the social and cultural costs of destroying our unique town. Locating an LNG plant at Prices Point will hugely upset the cultural and social fabric of this special town!

Gemma Laidlaw Broome

Prices Point Public Submission absurd timeline

2008-11-06T05:03:00.000-08:00

28 days was an absurdly short time frame for the public to lodge their objections to the Northern Task force concerning the proposal to locate an LNG gas hub along the Kimberley coast. The site evaluation report on Prices Point refers to a ‘dredged channel’ and a ‘significant breakwater’ for the LNG tankers, the development of a land based processing hub and pipeline access over the cliff face which we are assured would be mostly buried. Do we really want the constant whirring of helicopters and the rumbling of heavy machinery along our peaceful coast line? The report does recognise that Prices Point is a ‘popular recreational area and extensively accessed by the Traditional Owners’ and important for pearling leases in the vicinity. It also acknowledges a negative effect on tourism, air services, accommodation and on the local workforce. So why destroy Prices Point which has been formed over millions of years and is nature’s gift for all of us to enjoy?

Brian Kane Broome