Western Australian Environment Minister, Bill Marmion, has received legal advice from the State’s Solicitor’s Office regarding the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) assessment of the Browse LNG Precinct at James Price Point in the state’s Kimberly region.

 

“Based on the advice received from the State Solicitor’s Office, I have approved the EPA making a delegation specific to the assessment of the Browse LNG Precinct,” Mr Marmion said.


“I believe the EPA has taken the appropriate course of action and have confidence in the integrity of the EPA chairman Dr Paul Vogel, to provide me with informed advice and recommendations on the project.

 

The highly contentious $30 billion project has seen spirited debate over its impact on the pristine areas of the Kimberly coast.  The EPA was expected to hand down its final recommendation over the report last month, but four of the five board members were barred from submitting their contributions on grounds of conflict of interest, meaning Dr Vogel will make the recommendation by himself.

 

Mr Marmion said the EPA’s report will be subject to a two-week period within which any party can lodge an appeal.