Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett said the agreement appointed Woodside as a foundation commercial proponent for the precinct to bring the project to completion.
Environmental consultant AECOM has been contracted to complete a draft strategic assessment report, which will enable the precinct site and proposal to be fully assessed by state and federal regulatory authorities. Front-end engineering and design and site works are expected to commence in early 2011.
Mr Barnett also said that negotiations were continuing with local Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley, and they would be given high priority in gaining substantial benefits from the project.
“The agreement with Woodside specifies that precinct development will be consistent with the Heads of Agreement signed earlier this year, which protects Aboriginal heritage and cultural interests at the site and identifies benefits for Aboriginal people if the precinct is developed,” he said.
Article continues below…The Browse Gas Project is a joint venture between Woodside, Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell, BP and BHP Billiton.
