Fury over works approval

The Kimberley Joint Development Assessment Panel granted Woodside conditional planning approval for works at James Price Point last week, sparking fury from community members.

Copies of the 150-page application were thrown at members before community members stormed out of council chambers en masse.

The company has been given approval for retrospective and future planning activities until December 2013.

Proposed works include hydrological investigations, construction of a meteorological tower and fenced off areas, a helicopter landing zone and geotechnical work at the site of the proposed gas plant.

Under the new DAP system, the Shire of Broome has no authority with regards to planning approval for Woodside’s exploration activities.

Last Thursday night, the Shire voted not to support an officer’s report assessing the application before it was heard by a DAP panel, comprised of Shire president Graeme Campbell, Cr Jenny Bloom and three governmentappointed representatives.

Shire councillors said the DAP process was unclear and there had been insufficient time for community consultation. But Cr Chris Mitchell, who voted to support the assessment, argued the Shire must have input into the DAP process or risk being “ridden roughshod over” in future determinations.

The DAP does not have to take Shire recommendations into account.

On Friday, the panel unanimously approved Woodside’s application with a raft of conditions despite Broome Shire president Graeme Campbell voting against the move.

The Development Assessment Panels were set up by the Barnett Government to determine planning applications valued at more than $3 million dollars.

“They are also set up because there is a perception that councils can delay indefinitely on these issues,” panellist Rory O’Brien said.

Five community members also opposed the application at the meeting, citing concerns about Woodside’s record of compliance with Shire planning approvals and environmental management.

The panel said Woodside must prepare an environmental management plan, approved by the Shire and Department of Environment and Conservation, before it can carry out works.

Broome resident Louise Middleton said the DAP system “completely undermined” democratic process.

“The whole process has been so fast tracked,” she said.