June 27, 2007
Woodside CEO Don Voelte’s announcement that gas from the Browse Basin may be processed on the Burrup has been criticised as “unrealistic and short-sighted.”
Robin Chapple, a spokesperson for the Perth-based Friends of Australian Rock Art, said today that there was no room in Karratha or Dampier to support further industrial development on the Burrup.
“Karratha workers are living in seatainers” said Mr Chapple “and the local infrastructure is stretched beyond its capacity.” Mr Chapple said that he understood why Mr Voelte had floated the idea of processing Browse Basin gas at the Burrup.
“Kimberley Aboriginal groups have told Woodside they don’t want an LNG plant on their traditional lands” said Mr Chapple “so Woodside is looking for a place to process the Browse Basin gas.”
“There is a simple answer to Woodside’s problems. It should do what Apache and BHP-Billiton has done, and plan to build its Pluto plant another 40 or 100k down the coast, closer to Onslow.”
“That would also prevent the senseless destruction of the world’s oldest and largest outdoor rock art landscape, at the Burrup” said Mr Chapple.
Mr Chapple called for WA Premier Alan Carpenter to step in and show leadership, by developing an integrated gas industries management plan.
“That would involve no LNG plant or any other development on the Burrup, which is Australia’s largest cultural monument, and a proper balancing of industry’s needs with the need to respect and value Aboriginal cultural heritage” said Mr Chapple.
ENDS
For comment, please call Robin Chapple: 0409 379 263
Friends of Australian Rock Art
C/- Conservation Council of WA Inc.
City West Lotteries House
2 Delhi Street
West Perth WA 6005
Mob. 0402 664 503
www.standupfortheburrup.com