Green light for Pluto LNG project

23/8/07
Environment Minister David Templeman today confirmed Woodside's Pluto LNG Project could proceed if the company submitted a significantly improved offset package and committed to several tough environmental conditions.
The Minister effectively gave the project the green light by endorsing a recommendation of the Environmental Protection Authority for the company to put forward a comprehensive set of environmental measures to offset the potential impact on coral during the dredging process.
Mr Templeman said negotiations with the company were under way and he expected a superior offset package would be reflected in the stringent environmental conditions that would be applied to the project before it was given final approval.
"The Dampier Archipelago has significant environmental values and the tough environmental conditions for this project will require that it has no impact within the proposed Dampier Archipelago Marine Park," he said.
"The conditions will require that dredging for the project must cease if certain criteria are exceeded.
"In line with State Government policy, the conditions will require Woodside to offset the reservoir carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere for the life of the project.
"With a better offset package and a stringent set of conditions, any risks to the marine environment and the Burrup Peninsula can be properly and strictly managed and this important project could proceed without harming the environment.
"I believe this determination supports the Carpenter Government's commitment to maintaining the fine balance between protecting and preserving our unique environment and promoting sustainable industry.
"We are committed to a co-operative approach with the Commonwealth, the Aboriginal community and industry to ensure heritage, environment and industry can co-exist on the Dampier Archipelago."
The Minister today determined nine appeals against the Environmental Protection Authority's advice on the Pluto project in July.
The majority of the appeals raised concerns about the impact of the proposal on Aboriginal rock art in the area.
"The Aboriginal rock art on the Burrup Peninsula and Dampier Archipelago is immensely valuable in cultural and heritage terms, and the Carpenter Government supports a range of measures to protect it, including listing of the area on the National Heritage Register," Mr Templeman said.
"I am satisfied that the protection and conservation of rock art will not be compromised by this project.
"Where there is any unavoidable impact on rock art, it will be managed in consultation with the traditional custodians of the land."
The Minister also concluded that there was no evidence to suggest any emissions from the project would have any adverse effect on the rock art.
"However monitoring of this issue will continue to be undertaken by the Burrup Rock Art Management Committee," Mr Templeman said.
"The State Government is also adding to its current management of the region, working with the Federal Government to develop a bilateral agreement and a management agreement."
The full determination is available on the website of the Appeals Convenor at http://www.appealsconvenor.wa.gov.au
Minister's Office: - 9220 5050