In short:
The Valhalla fracking proposal has been referred to the federal government for review.
The referral recognises the project could impact the endangered greater bilby population, which has sparked environmental and cultural concerns.
What's next?
Public comment is open until August 7 and the federal government will decide on whether the proposal needs further assessment on August 21.
A fracking proposal in Western Australia's Kimberley has reignited debate the over potential environmental and cultural impacts of allowing the practice in the region.
A proposal referred to the federal government by Bennett Resources, a subsidiary of US-led Black Mountain Energy (BME), to drill six initial exploration wells in the Canning Basin as part of its Valhalla Project, was made public last week.
The Canning Basin is WA's largest onshore basin, which BME has labelled "the eighth largest undeveloped gas reservoir in the world" on its website.
It is the state's first major fracking proposal to come before the Commonwealth since the WA government lifted its moratorium in 2018.
A decision on whether an assessment under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act is required is due later next month and public comment will be accepted until August 7.
The referral to the federal government acknowledges the risk of habitat loss and identifies the region as a home to endangered greater bilbies.
In its referral Bennett Resources says it has strategies to mitigate the risk, but community members are concerned for the mammals' longevity.
A long road
Bennett Resources, owned by BME and led by Texan millionaire Rhett Bennett, announced its Valhalla program in 2020, proposing to use hydraulic fracture stimulation for gas exploration in the Canning Basin.
In 2021 BME submitted a separate referral to WA's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to drill up to 20 wells and works were expected to begin the following year.
However, the state government is yet to make a decision and an EPA spokesperson told the ABC an environmental review document was expected to be published "in the coming weeks" for an eight-week public review.
The ABC understands that the referral before the federal government and the proposal before the WA EPA are separate.
In 2023, BME was forced to pay close to $40,000 to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) for greenwashing as a result of its claim that it would be a net-zero emissions project.
In February this year the company de-listed from the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), sparking questions about future transparency and interest in fracking by Australian investors.
Community concerns
Environmental groups and community members gathered at Broome's Entrance Point on Friday in protest to the project.
Environs Kimberley director Martin Pritchard urged the federal government to do a "proper" assessment of the proposal.
"We've got bilbies there, we've got really important groundwater there," he said.
"It's very close to the Martuwarra Fitzroy River, which is national heritage-listed, so we're really keen for the Commonwealth to assess this properly."
Djukun woman Yisah Bin Omar said she was worried the project could have a cultural impact.
"It's my roots, it's my home, it's my cultural identity," she said.
"I want to be able to protect that for current generations as well as future generations.
"We need to act now, and we need to protect the Kimberley."
In its proposal Bennett Resources said it had support from all relevant stakeholders, including the Yungngora and Warlangurru People, who hold a pastoral lease over the project area.
But Baard and Yawuru woman Janet Puertollano said the company's consultation process had been inadequate.
"They got no respect for our country and our people," she said.
"They think they can just help themselves … we will keep fighting."
A Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water spokesperson said the proposal was being assessed.
"The proposal is open for public comment until August 7 and anyone interested should have their say," they said.
"If it does not need approval, it will be subjected to a thorough environmental assessment, including for potential impacts on threatened species, heritage and water resources.
"It will also include another opportunity for public comment."
Bennett Resources did not respond to the ABC's request for comment.
In an ASX update earlier this year, Mr Bennett said he "strongly [believed] in the vast resource development opportunity" and was committed to progressing the Valhalla Project "as quickly as possible".
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