WA:Landowners to discuss gas hub in Broome

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2010
WA:Landowners to discuss gas hub in Broome

PERTH, Aug 3 AAP - Traditional owners in the Kimberley are meeting in Broome to debate
whether to resume negotiations over a $30 billion gas hub at James Price Point.

The meeting follows a Federal Court decision in Perth dismissing legal action by native
title claimant Joseph Roe against the Kimberley Land Council (KLC).

Mr Roe had sought to prevent the KLC from representing native title claimants in negotiations
over the proposed hub 60km north of Broome.

The Goolarabooloo man and other claimants oppose the liquified natural gas plant being
built at James Price Point which they say is an important sacred area and crossing point
of songlines.

But Justice John Gilmour on Monday dismissed Mr Roe's applications, saying he did not
have the right to take legal action on behalf of native title claimants.

Justice Gilmour ordered Mr Roe to pay costs and criticised him for delaying proceedings
and increasing costs with 11th hour applications.

Hundreds of traditional owners are expected to attend Tuesday's meeting in Broome convened
by the KLC to discuss the native title claim and the gas hub.

The gas hub is planned to process reserves from the Browse Basin.

In April 2009 the KLC signed a heads of agreement with Woodside and the West Australian
and federal governments approving the gas hub and $1.5 billion in benefits to flow to
indigenous communities over 30 years.

But in June this year the KLC suspended negotiations with Woodside and the state government
after division emerged within the Goolarabooloo/Jabirr Jabirr claimant groups.

That prompted WA Premier Colin Barnett, who had wanted an indigenous land use agreement
signed by the end of June, to threaten compulsory acquisition of the site.

Mr Barnett has not followed that through but the threat is likely to anger many at
Tuesday's meeting, including those in favour of the gas hub.

AAP ldj/scj/bwl

KEYWORD: BROWSE

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