Traditional owners oppose Woodside's Browse bid amid stalled deal talks
The Ngarluma-Yindjibarndi Foundation wants a new agreement before governments approve Woodside's proposed gas development in the Browse Basin.
Key takeaways
- NYFL has asked the government not to approve Woodside's Browse bid while talks are stalled.
- NYFL sought $30 million a year for 10 years; Woodside offered $20 million cash for the same period.
Traditional owners represented by the Ngarluma-Yindjibarndi Foundation Limited (NYFL) have asked the government not to approve Woodside’s Browse Basin bid while talks over a 1998 agreement remain stalled. The proposed gas development is expected to cost more than $50 billion.
NYFL sought $30 million a year for 10 years, based on its assumption that currently approved gas fields will run down within that period. Woodside countered with an offer of $20 million in cash for the same period, plus 20 homes transferred over 10 years and $400,000 a year to manage the properties.
NYFL says the 1998 deal is unfit for purpose and wants it modernised. Former NYFL chair Clinton Walker said confidentiality and no-challenge clauses had stopped people from speaking up for their country.
Woodside said it was proud of its relationship with NYFL and recognised that expectations for agreements with Aboriginal communities had changed since 1998. A spokesperson said the original agreement was fairly understood and signatories received independent professional advice.
This article was produced with the help of AI technology. Based on reporting by the outlets listed above.
