The three independent delegates assessing the proposed Browse Natural Gas Precinct strategic proposal will today tour James Price Point and meet with community members.
Chairman Gerard Early PSM, Dr Tom Hatton PSM and Glen McLeod are assessing the Minister for State Development’s proposal to establish a multi-user gas hub precinct near James Price Point, 60 kilometres north of Broome.
Mr Early said the site visit was an invaluable opportunity to obtain a grass-roots grasp on the proposal as well as meet with representatives from a cross-section of the community.
“As I have stated previously, the Delegates and I are assessing this proposal with fresh eyes,” Mr Early said.
“Over the past few months, we have met regularly and carefully reviewed all technical and scientific information available in relation to this proposal, including the proponent’s Strategic Assessment Report and all public submissions.
“This site visit will add to our knowledge of the proposal and we are looking forward to giving a variety of community members the opportunity to share their views on the relevant environmental issues.”
The Delegates will meet with a variety of groups, including representatives from non-government organisations, Traditional Owners, Shire of Broome councillors as well representatives from the Department of State Development.
Process:
Background:
- The Environmental Protection Authority, with the Minister for Environment’s approval, delegated its powers to the three delegates following an August 2013 finding by the Supreme Court of Western Australia that the EPA’s July 2012 report to the Minister was invalid because there had been no valid assessment of the strategic proposal under the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
- Mr Early, who was awarded the Australian Public Service Medal in 2007 for service in the protection and conservation of Australia's natural environment and cultural heritage, is based in Canberra and was Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Environment, before he retired to run his own consultancy in 2010. He has more than fifteen years’ experience in the management and implementation of environmental impact assessment.
- Dr Hatton recently retired as Group Executive of Energy at the CSIRO and has more than 25 years of national and international research experience. In 2008, Dr Hatton was awarded the CSIRO’s Chairman’s Medal and the Australian Public Service Medal for his contribution to the management of Australia’s water resources. Dr Hatton chairs the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority and joined the EPA this month.
- Mr McLeod is an internationally recognised lawyer with 36 years of experience in environmental, planning and government law, expertise in climate change and renewable energy sectors; ports, probity and procurement. Mr McLeod is an adjunct professor at Murdoch University and has published widely. He is a member of the Waste Authority and co-chaired its Strategic Waste Infrastructure Planning Group. Mr McLeod was appointed to the EPA in October 2013.
Media Contact: Nadia Miraudo 0417 156 722 / 0400 866 450
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