Land secured for Broome gas precinct
Premier Colin Barnett has pushed ahead with the acquisition of land for a gas precinct at James Price Point near Broome despite Woodside and its joint venture partners deciding their Browse LNG project will be developed using floating technology.
The State Government announced this morning it had completed the acquisition of 3414 hectares of land at James Price Point for a gas precinct.
Mr Barnett had hoped the land would be used for an onshore gas processing hub for the Browse project but has all but conceded the land is now more likely to be used as a service and supply base for the project.
Woodside and its Browse partners announced earlier this year it would be pursuing a floating processing option for Browse rather than an onshore processing solution, which had previously been proposed.
Mr Barnett said securing the land was an important next step in ensuring the efficient development of offshore and onshore gas in the Kimberley.
"It has taken substantial effort to reach this point, with the support of traditional landholders," Mr Barnett said.
He said that under native title agreements reached with the Goolarabooloo Jabirr Jabirr native title claimant group in June 2011, the completion of the transaction has triggered a $10 million economic development fund and $20 million for indigenous housing.
Traditional owners will also have an ongoing role in managing the environmental, social and heritage outcomes of the 3414ha precinct.
James Price Point was selected by the State Government in 2009 as the most suitable site from more than 40 locations, with the remote location minimising potential impacts on the community and the access to deep water close to the shore reducing the need for dredging and blasting.
"The Government is committed to delivering a project-ready site for the development of the region's world-class gas resources," Mr Barnett said.
Most precinct land will be managed by LandCorp, with the port area managed and controlled by the Broome Port Authority.
