Perth based group VBX Limited (VBX) have prepared and submitted to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) a draft version of the Environmental Scoping Document (ESD) for the proposed Wuudagu bauxite project on Wunambal Gaambera Country in the North Kimberley region of Western Australia.
The ESD sets out the content and timing of the Environmental Review Document (ERD) being prepared by VBX for the EPA’s assessment. The ESD has been prepared in consultation and with input from the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners who support and endorse the document which will now be released for a two-week public comment period prior to being finalised.
The Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners and Rangers have been working closely with VBX in undertaking a range of flora, fauna and marine focussed environmental surveys for the Wuudagu project. Additional surveys are planned to be undertaken in 2021 prior to the ERD being finalised and submitted to the EPA.
Significant work has also been undertaken to understand how the Wuudagu project interacts with and could support Wunambal Gaambera’s Healthy Country Plan. This has identified some key focus areas and a number of opportunities where the project could positively contribute to ongoing environmental, social and cultural management of Wunambal Gaambera Country.
Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Catherine Goonack said “Wunambal Gaambera people’s endorsement of the Wuudagu Environmental Scoping Document provides the assessment and checking framework for ourselves and Valperlon to work together on the Wuudagu bauxite mine planning, to ensure our Country and Saltwater is looked after and stays healthy as our Healthy Country Plan requires, while providing us year-round economic and livelihood opportunities”.
VBX Managing Director Ryan de Franck said “We have a lot of respect for the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners and to be able to work so closely with them during the planning phase of the project is a privilege. Incorporating their traditional knowledge and perspectives into the design of the project and our Environmental Review Document will help ensure that Wuudagu is a responsible resource development and we appreciate their ongoing support.”
For more information please contact:
Wunambal Gaambera
media@wunambalgaambera.org.au
wunambalgaambera.org.au
VBX Limited
wuudagu@valperlon.com
www.valperlon.com