Combating Industry and Government Spin
James Price Point. Image © 2010 Rod Hartvigsen.
I speak to a lot of people on a weekly basis at the Broome Markets. Many are tourists visiting the town and many at this time of the year are locals getting out and about before the rains come after midday. Yes it is the wet season in Broome and the majestic storms are becoming more common.
Last Saturday, a lady I spoke to had just moved to Broome from Port Hedland, a very industrial town approximately 600km to the south and our nearest town in that direction. She had moved because her landlord of what she described as a 'dog-box' of a house, had just raised the rent from $900/week to $1300/week as he had heard another 'boom' was about to hit town!
This is exactly what the people of Broome are afraid of should Premier Barnett get his way and build a Liquefied Natural Gas plant just out of town.
But this is just one of the many problems that are scaring, dividing and threatening the people of Broome and the Kimberley. Will we continue to have clean air, pristine waters, clear skies at night to view the stars, unrestricted camping, fishing, snorkelling and relaxation along this beautiful section of the Kimberley coast? Will the wilderness be jeopardised for the hungry pockets of a few? more»
Jabbir-Jabbirr Law Boss says "No Deal"
Joseph Roe. Image © 2009 Red Dirt Photography.
IF YOU LISTEN to WA Premier Barnett and those sections of the media which are cheering his proposals on, you might think that the recent signing on James Price Point had any real substance or was the end of the matter. With legal opinion being that agreement must be unanimous on these matters, the issue is under a cloud. Joseph Roe is a local Traditional Owner and Custodian for the protection of the Song Cycle which includes the James Price Point locality. He says that a deal has not been done.
"There is public perception that all Goolarabooloo-Jabirr Jabirr Native Title claimants had agreed on 15/4/09 to the in-principle agreement struck between the WA State Government, Kimberley Land Council and Woodside.
It is crucial for me to clarify that there was no unanimous agreement on that date. In fact on behalf of Goolarabooloo claimants I voted an emphatic NO." more»
A rare and pristine jewel under threat
James Price Point. Image © 2010 Rod Hartvigsen.
THE MAJESTIC KIMBERLEY is one of the world's last great wilderness regions. This pristine area, rich in culture, heritage and biodiversity is Australia's last untouched frontier.
Home to many endangered species, the Kimberley wilderness is a virtual Noah's Ark, a shielded system that is much as it was from the beginning of time. Humpback Whales, marine turtles, Dugongs and Golden Back Tree Rat are just a few of the iconic species of this magnifcent part of our ancient land. Many other species of flora and fauna lie hidden here, yet to be described by science and perhaps discovered. Can you believe that this World class treasure is under threat? Learn more »
What's at stake? Explore the Kimberley environment, its fauna and its flora
Black Grasswrens are rare and restricted - mostly to sandstone habitat on the Mitchell Plateau. Image © 2008 Graeme Chapman. Press image for enlargement.
From its stunning coastline, mind blowing gorges, pristine wetlands, grassy plains, monsoon rainforests and stunning variety of savannah woodlands to an enormous geography which humbles all who visit, the Kimberley has a diversity and abundance of life which will amaze you.
The land seems harsh and at times forbidding, but don't be fooled. Most of the wild inhabitants of the Kimberley are highly specialised for life in this vast wilderness. Most will not be able to adapt to changes which heavy industry and associated infrastructure will bring to the region.
Visit our What's at stake page to get an overview of what is threatened by heavy industrial development in this region.
A rich cultural heritage. But what of its future?
From the little known and ancient "Bradshaws" and world famous Wanjinas to simpler works denoting sites of significance, indigenous art is widespread in the Kimberley. Press image for enlargement.
The Kimberley is rich in sites of cultural significance, much of it sacred and dating back to more than 40,000 years bp. The world's most ancient, inspiring and arguably most stunning indigenous rock art can be found in a number of locations across the Kimberley.
In many ways, this art symbolises the realities facing the indigenous Australians who live in the Kimberley: If the culture which maintains these priceless galleries is lost, then what of it's future? What of the future of a people whose personal and cultural identity is tied to the land which is now under threat?
"We are watching politics dictate the terms and conditions of our homelands . . . places where we've always had a sense of connection and belongingness. We are now being told that this homeland, this country is now going to be used for industrial development." - Albert Wiggan
Who should decide how the traditional custodians of the Kimberley should live and what should take place on their traditional homelands? What would industrialisation of their land mean to them? more »
What's happening on the ground right now?
Things are moving fast but you can get all of the latest news as it happens in our News & Media page or go directly to our blog. You can also keep track of what has been leading to current events by visiting our News Archives page.
If you want the latest news straight to your in-tray, try subscribing to news updates by email.
Other agencies defending the nature and culture of the Kimberley
Environs Kimberley - local conservation advocacy.
The Wilderness Society - national conservation advocacy with a strong Kimberley campaign.
WWF.
Conservation Council of WA - plenty of resources and media releases.
Friends of Prices Point - visit their blog.
