Environs Kimberley warns Buru Energy’s Rafael gas project could open the door to a much larger fracking industry, following the company’s announcement today that it has referred the project to the WA Environmental Protection Authority.

Environs Kimberley Executive Director Martin Pritchard said the proposal must be considered alongside Buru’s wider ambitions for the Kimberley.

“Rafael could be a Trojan horse for fracking. Establishing gas-processing infrastructure would give the industry a foothold from which to push for further development across the Canning Basin.

“Buru’s own investor presentation sets out its ambition to ‘unlock the value of the unconventional Yulleroo resource’ alongside developing Rafael. The company has also welcomed the EPA’s recommendation to approve Black Mountain’s Valhalla fracking exploration proposal, linking it to the potential of Yulleroo and Rafael.”

Mr Pritchard said the Kimberley’s energy future lies in solar and batteries, rather than opening new gas fields.

“Horizon Power’s plans provide a pathway to supplying Broome with up to 80% renewable electricity through solar and battery storage. Renewable energy projects are also being planned for Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek. This is the direction the Kimberley needs to take.”

“With so much sunshine, we should be investing in cleaner energy that reduces our dependence on gas. Any remaining need for backup fuel does not establish a need to open a new gas field.

“The International Energy Agency’s landmark 2021 roadmap to net zero found that no new oil and gas fields were needed beyond those already committed. Opening another gas field takes us in the wrong direction.”

Environs Kimberley is calling for a full EPA assessment of Rafael, including its climate impacts and the potential for its infrastructure to support future fracking developments.

“Buru’s past record gives us further reason for concern. Hydrocarbon sludge was left in an open turkey’s nest dam at Ungani throughout the 2023–24 wet season and was only removed in December 2024.

“Parliamentary answers have also acknowledged a past storm-related overflow from a retention pond at Buru’s Yulleroo operations. This record underlines why Rafael needs a full environmental assessment, with close scrutiny of waste storage and wet-season risks.”

“The Cook Government should back the Kimberley’s renewable energy future and protect our rivers, groundwater and globally significant landscapes from an expanding oil and gas industry.”