There was a very strong turnout in Broome recently to protest the EPA decision to recommend fracking by Texan company Black Mountain at its proposed Valhalla project – over 130 people came at short notice.

“It’s very clear that people here are shocked and outraged at the EPA recommendation to allow fracking in the Kimberley. This is the worst decision the EPA has made in years. The calls were very strong to the Minister for the Environment Matthew Swinbourn to reject Texan company Black Mountain’s Valhalla fracking project.

The community doesn’t want the Kimberley turned into Texan gasfields and the risk to our clean water, threatened species and the National Heritage listed Martuwarra Fitzroy River is too high. Ultimately the Premier, Roger Cook, needs to take leadership here and ban fracking in the Kimberley like its banned in the southwest and Perth. ” said Environs Kimberley Executive Director Martin Pritchard.

A big crowd attended the protest calling on Minister for the Environment Matthew Swinbourn to reject the Valhalla fracking project Photo - Hazel Blake

Yawuru/Djukun Traditional Custodian Janet Puertollano said at the protest -

“ I fear the Valhalla fracking project would be devastating for the Martuwarra Fitzroy River and the communities that rely on it.

This fracking project risks a vital water source in the Fitzroy River catchment, with long-term consequences for Aboriginal children. This river is the lifeblood of the Kimberley, it’s not just water, it’s a place to swim, learn and a vital food source for many residents along it.”

“We will be appealing the EPA’s decision and we expect there will be a record number, people from all over the country are absolutely gobsmacked about this recommendation,"said EK Director Martin Pritchard.

“Our grounds of appeal include that the EPA has failed to adequately assess risks to threatened species, risks to human health and social surrounds, including toxic chemicals, risks of climate change and extreme weather and has ignored advice from the Independent Expert Scientific Committee established by the Commonwealth government.”

The WA Labor Party voted unanimously to ban fracking in WA at the state conference a couple of months ago. Labor Party members vote for fracking ban to be extended across all parts of WA

Bunuba Traditional Owner Millie Hills said -

“The WA government needs to stop this industry before it gets started, this type of development is a huge risk to the Martuwarra Fitzroy River catchment. People don’t come to the Kimberley to see gas fields; they come to see unspoilt nature and experience our ancient culture.

“The Premier Roger Cook needs to show some leadership here and stop Black Mountain’s 20 well fracking proposal and ultimately ban fracking in the Kimberley to stop it looking like Texas.

Ms Pat Riley, a Nyikina woman from Pandanus Park at the lower reaches of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River said –

“We don’t want to see fracking in the Martuwarra Fitzroy River catchment. Our community is at the end of the river and any pollution from fracking upstream will affect us, we want a clean, healthy river.”

Media

Kimberley fracking plan sparks protest - West Australian

Dozens rally in Broome against fracking proposal near Martuwarra Fitzroy River - National Indigenous Times