- Land transfer of almost 2,500 hectares to the Gogolanyngor Aboriginal Corporation's nominated entity on behalf of the native title holders
- Land was previously proposed for Browse LNG development and port facilities
- Consultation has commenced to facilitate the land transfer for the benefit of the Jabirr Jabirr/Ngumbarl people
The Cook Government has approved the transfer of around 2,490 hectares of land on the Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley region to native title holders.
The land at James Price Point, 60 kilometres north of Broome, was the former proposed location of the Browse LNG Precinct development and port under the previous Liberal-National Government.
Under the 2011 Browse (Land) Agreement, the precinct land was to be transferred to native title holders once the liquefied natural gas (LNG) precinct operations ceased.
The development did not proceed.
To ensure there is stability and future security for the Jabirr Jabirr/Ngumbarl people, the government has approved the closure of the Browse LNG Precinct and the transfer of the land to an entity nominated by the Gogolanyngor Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) on behalf of the native title holders.
Consultation has commenced with GAC to determine the form of land title to be transferred with the focus on providing social, cultural, and economic benefits for the Jabirr Jabirr/Ngumbarl people.
The transfer is part of the government's ongoing commitment to increase opportunities for land ownership and management into the hands of Aboriginal people.
Comments attributed to Planning and Lands Minister John Carey:
"The land transfer will give the Gogolanyngor Aboriginal Corporation the freedom to explore and enhance land ownership opportunities for the Jabirr Jabirr/Ngumbarl people in the Kimberley region.
"Our government is removing land tenure barriers to support Aboriginal-led outcomes while protecting native title rights."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"This is an historic move by the Cook Government that will empower the Jabirr Jabirr/Ngumbarl people.
"As the government continues to work with the Gogolanyngor Aboriginal Corporation, this will put land ownership and management of this area into the hands of Aboriginal people."
