Gas hub battle a vital test case: EDO

Kimberley man Joseph Roe continued his latest battle against the proposed James Price Point gas hub in Perth’s Supreme Court this week.

His case against clearing works at the site, 60km north of Broome, was being heard on Monday as the Broome Advertiser went to print.

He was challenging permits to clear native vegetation granted by the Department of Environment and Conservation to Woodside and Main Roads WA.

Mr Roe’s representation, the Environmental Defender’s Office, said the clearing was proposed for a sensitive coastal area where it would have a huge and permanent impact on vegetation that was culturally significant to traditional owners.

EDO principal solicitor Josie Walker said it was an important test case.

“The outcome … will either uphold or undermine the integrity of the environmental impact assessment process in WA,” she said.

She said the case relied on a provision of the Environmental Protection Act which made it illegal for DEC to grant approvals for clearing while a “significant proposal” was being assessed by the EPA.

Meanwhile the State Government argued the provision did not apply because the hub proposal was not a significant one as defined by the Act.