Legal action threatens Browse LNG project
Woodside's proposed Browse LNG project has come under renewed threat with Green and indigenous groups launching legal action against the approval process for the controversial gas processing hub at James Price Point.
The Wilderness Society WA announced that the conservation group and traditional owner, Goolarabooloo elder Richard Hunter, had commenced Supreme Court legal proceedings against the State's Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Environment Minister Bill Marmion over his approval in July.
The EPA report that recommended Mr Marmion approve the proposal was done by one person - EPA chairman Paul Vogel - after four other board members had to stand aside because of conflicts of interest.
"The parties are seeking a judicial review of the decisions made around the proposal to locate the Browse LNG Precinct at James Price Point, alleging the decision-making process was flawed because of conflicts of interest and improper delegations," The Wilderness Society said.
The Wilderness Society WA Kimberley campaigner Heidi Nore said three conflicted EPA board members were involved in deliberations about the project for several years before finally stepping down.
"If the Supreme Court agrees that the EPA has acted unlawfully, the James Price Point approvals should be overturned and the assessment process recommenced," she said.
Mr Marmion's approval was subject to 29 conditions, including steering clear of fossilised dinosaur footprints around the shoreline.
