[Greens-Media] Older parties ignoring community wishes on James Price Point protection

[Redman, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

17 June 2013

Older parties ignoring community wishes on James Price Point protection

The Australian Greens said today that the older parties have again failed to support efforts to protect the Kimberley from a future of industrialisation.

"Both Labor and the Coalition refused to support a motion in the Senate today which called on the WA Premier to end efforts to compulsorily acquire the land at James Price Point," Senator Rachel Siewert said today.

"I'm very disappoint that the older parties haven't been listening to the strong and ongoing message from the community, that James Price Point is too precious to lose.  A petition has been tabled by the in the House of Representatives today, and the Greens have brought more than 6,000 postcards to Canberra signed by members of the community who want the Federal Government to step up and protect James Price Point from development.

"Only the Greens are taking a stand in Parliament to ensure the future of the Kimberley is not  one of endless industrial exploitation.

"Woodside's decision to move away from a LNG hub at James Price Point was significant but the broader threat to the region still remains.

"Colin Barnett is continuing attempts to compulsorily acquire land at James Price Point and a strategic assessment of the area is still being undertaken by Minister Burke, at the Premier's request.

"The Premier wants to develop James Price Point in order to facilitate future industrial projects like fracking in the Canning Basin, coal, uranium or bauxite mining.

"Taking land from the Traditional Owners for the purpose of industrialising the Kimberley and causing permanent damage to the region's culture, heritage and environment is unacceptable.

"The WA Premier should accept Woodside's decision and now look for opportunities to deliver sustainable and responsible development in the Kimberley that strengthens local communities.

"Compulsory Acquisition processes should end and the application for a strategic assessment of the region should be withdrawn," Senator Siewert concluded.