30 June 2011
Today Premier Barnett hosted a photo opportunity signing papers for the James Price Point development. Mr Barnett released a ‘timeline’ of the steps to this historic day.
Greens MP Robin Chapple questioned the Premier’s account saying, “The Premier is whitewashing history, seeking to blot out his government’s betrayal of Aboriginal people, the Broome community and the environment.
“The first betrayal is the Premier's failure to live up to State government’s commitment to properly assess siting the LNG hub in the Pilbara, within existing or alternate industrial precincts.
“A further betrayal is this Government’s role in facilitating Woodside’s bulldozers onto the JPP site before the Commonwealth approvals process has been completed, and while the area is being considered for World Heritage listing.
“The betrayal of Aboriginal people can be seen in the Premier’s own timeline. It confirms that agreement for the project was only achieved after the State government commenced a compulsory acquisition process, to forcibly take the land from the Traditional Owners.
“There is little to celebrate or get excited about today with the signing of these papers, as the project awaits an investment decision from Woodside and its Joint Venture Partners Shell, Chevron, BP and BHP-Billiton. It really is just at the amber light stage.
“On the other hand, there is much to celebrate as the blockade at James Price Point goes from strength to strength, with growing support among the Broome community and across the country.
“The West Australian community has pulled together to save iconic environmental sites before, and I am optimistic that we can do it again to save James Price Point,” Mr Chapple said.
For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255
