The National Native Title Tribunal has cleared the way for the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant on 600 hectares of land at Wickham Point in Darwin Harbour by approving the compulsory acquisition of native title rights and interests.
The area is subject to native title applications by the Larrakia and Dangalaba peoples.
The Tribunal has also decided that a further 3,800 hectares at Wickham Point can be developed to the extent that it is ancillary to projects in the proposed industrial and commercial precinct, including deep water access, infrastructure, and safety and security features for hazardous activities.
National Native Title Tribunal Member Professor Doug Williamson QC, who ruled on the matter, said the proposed development would have a significant adverse impact on the activities and way of life of the Larrakia people.
But he said it was equally clear that the development, by Phillips Oil Company, could result in substantial economic and public benefits.
Professor Williamson decided in favour of the project provided that: the native title parties were granted access to the land and waters in the Wickham Point precinct; cultural and environmental protection obligations were observed; native title holders were involved in liaison committees related to the project; and employment and training opportunities on the project for native title holders were encouraged.
The project developers proposed to bring natural gas to the LNG plant by sub-sea pipeline from the Bayu-Undan gas field in the Timor Sea, and transfer the LNG product to tankers for shipment to market.
Professor Williamson had not determined what compensation should be payable for the compulsory acquisition of any native title rights, leaving compensation to be negotiated when proposals for development were more clearly identified.
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