INPEX BROWSE, LTD.

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DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION
Copy No.

Name

00

Document Control

02

INPEX Management Group03

INPEX External Affairs

Hard Copy

Electronic Copy

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1

2

3

4

5

6

CONTACTS .................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Referring party....................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Responsible party.................................................................................................. 1
1.3 Proponent.............................................................................................................. 1
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ACTION ........................................................................... 2
2.1 Short description ................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Latitude and longitude ........................................................................................... 2
2.3 Locality .................................................................................................................. 7
2.4 Size of the development footprint or work area ..................................................... 7
2.5 Street address of the site .................................................................................... 10
2.6 Lot description ..................................................................................................... 10
2.7 Local government area and council contact ........................................................ 10
2.8 Project life............................................................................................................ 10
2.9 Alternatives.......................................................................................................... 10
2.10 State assessment ................................................................................................ 11
2.11 Component of larger action ................................................................................. 11
DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION......................................................................... 12
3.1 Description of proposal........................................................................................ 12
3.1.1 Site selection ........................................................................................... 12
3.1.2 Major project components ....................................................................... 13
3.1.3 Key associated activities.......................................................................... 20
3.1.4 Emissions, discharges and wastes .......................................................... 26
3.1.5 Rehabilitation and decommissioning ....................................................... 28
3.2 Alternative locations, time frames or activities forming part of the referred action29
3.3 Previously considered alternatives and the “do nothing” case ............................ 30
3.4 Context, planning framework and state/local government requirements............. 30
3.4.1 Commonwealth legislative requirements ................................................. 30
3.4.2 State/territory legislative requirements..................................................... 31
3.5 Environmental impact assessments under Commonwealth, state or territory
legislation ............................................................................................................ 32
3.6 A staged development or component of a larger project..................................... 32
AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ....................................................................................... 33
4.1 Matters of national environmental significance.................................................... 33
4.2 Important or unique aspects of the environment ................................................. 40
NATURE AND EXTENT OF LIKELY IMPACTS ........................................................... 50
5.1 Likely impacts on matters of national environmental significance ....................... 50
5.2 Likely impacts for nuclear actions, actions affecting Commonwealth land or
actions taken by the Commonwealth................................................................... 53
MEASURES TO AVOID OR REDUCE IMPACTS........................................................ 54

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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6.1

7

8
9
10

11

Environmental management program ................................................................. 54
6.1.1 Onshore environment plans..................................................................... 54
6.1.2 Offshore environment plans..................................................................... 55
6.2 Monitoring environmental performance ............................................................... 56
CONCLUSION ON THE LIKELIHOOD OF SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS .......................... 57
7.1 Proposed action is not likely to have significant impacts..................................... 57
7.1.1 Key reasons ............................................................................................. 57
7.2 Proposed action is likely to have significant impacts........................................... 58
ASSESSMENT APPROACH UNDER THE EPBC ACT ............................................... 59
ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY OF THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY ................................ 60
INFORMATION SOURCES AND ATTACHMENTS ..................................................... 63
10.1 References .......................................................................................................... 63
10.2 Reliability of information ...................................................................................... 64
10.3 Attachments ........................................................................................................ 65
SIGNATURES AND DECLARATIONS......................................................................... 66
11.1 Party who prepared the Referral ......................................................................... 66
11.2 Party who is responsible for action...................................................................... 66
11.3 Proponent............................................................................................................ 66

LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1: Latitudes and longitudes of notional development areas....................................... 2
Table 2-2: Conceptual Project schedule ............................................................................... 10
Table 3-1: Estimated dredge volumes for Project activities .................................................. 22
Table 3-2: Provisional earthwork volumes anticipated for construction of the onshore
facilities................................................................................................................ 24
Table 4-1: Threatened and migratory species that may inhabit the Project area (DEWHA
2008) ................................................................................................................... 34
Table 4-2: Migratory species that may inhabit the Project area (DEWHA 2008) .................. 37
Table 6-1: List of EMPs that may be required for the Project ............................................... 54

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1: Offshore notional development area comprising the Field, pipeline andfixed-platform notional development areas ........................................................... 4
Figure 2-2: Offshore pipeline notional development areas with example pipeline routes foreach option............................................................................................................ 5
Figure 2-3: Onshore development area at Blaydin Point ........................................................ 6
Figure 2-4: Location map and example offshore pipeline routes ............................................ 8
Figure 2-5: Darwin Harbour and existing infrastructure .......................................................... 9
Figure 3-1: Indicative underwater schematic of the drilling centres, CPF and FPSO ........... 15
Figure 3-2: Indicative above-water schematic of the drilling centres, CPF and FPSO ......... 16
Figure 3-3: Conceptual site plan for the onshore gas-processing facility, onshore pipeline
and MOF at Blaydin Point ................................................................................... 19
Figure 3-4: Navigation channels, turning basin and pipeline route ....................................... 23
Figure 3-5: Land-clearing and vegetation communities ........................................................ 25
Figure 9-1: INPEX Environmental Policy .............................................................................. 62

ATTACHED APPENDICESAPPENDIX A
APPENDIX B

FIGURESEPBC DATABASE SEARCH AREAS

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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CONTACTS

1.1

REFERRING PARTY
Contact:

Mr Sean Kildare

Position:

General Manager External Affairs

Date:
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INPEX Browse, Ltd.
Level 35, Exchange Plaza
2 The Esplanade
PERTH WA 6000

1.2

Telephone:+61 8 9223 8433

Fax:

+61 8 9223 8455

Email:

skildare@inpex.com.au

RESPONSIBLE PARTY
Contact:

Mr Jiro Okada

Position:Managing Director
INPEX Browse, Ltd.
Level 35, Exchange Plaza
2 The Esplanade
PERTH WA 6000

1.3

Telephone:+61 8 9223 8433

Fax:

+61 8 9223 8455

Email:

jokada@inpex.com.au

PROPONENTAs above.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ACTION

2.1

SHORT DESCRIPTION

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INPEX Browse, Ltd. (INPEX) proposes to develop the Ichthys Field in the Browse
Basin to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and
condensate for export to markets in Japan and elsewhere.
For this purpose, INPEX intends to install offshore facilities for the extraction ofnatural gas and condensate at the Ichthys Field and a gas export pipeline from thefield to onshore facilities at Blaydin Point near Darwin in the Northern Territory. The
company intends to construct a two-train gas-processing plant and productoffloading jetty at a site zoned for development on Blaydin Point. Additionalcondensate will be extracted and exported from the offshore facilities.
Hereafter, the Ichthys Gas Field Development Project is referred to as the “Project”.

2.2

LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE
Table 2-1, Figure 2-1, Figure 2-2 and Figure 2-3 define the notional developmentareas for the Project. This includes two alternative offshore pipeline routes.
Table 2-1: Latitudes and longitudes of notional development areas
Locationreference

LatitudedegreesminutesLongitude
seconds

degreesminutesseconds

OFFSHORE NOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AREA (ICHTHYS FIELD, PIPELINES AND NOTIONAL FIXED-PLATFORM
DEVELOPMENT AREA)
I1

13

44

55.44S123

15

04.50EI2

1349

55.44S123

15

04.50EI3

1349

55.44S123

20

04.51EI4

1354

55.44S123

20

04.51EI7

14

1923.25S123

32

00.76EI8

1425

11.69S

12320

35.70EI5

14

03

08.17S

12305

39.70EI6

1356

25.25S

123

02

09.61EPIPELINE ROUTE—OPTION 1
P1

13

44

55.44S123

15

04.50EP3

1233

40.19S125

53

50.63EP7

12

1343.41S129

27

47.85EP9

11

58

06.81S130

25

42.63E

P11

12

02

48.28S130

40

15.41E

P12

12

21

05.95S130

41

15.03EThe information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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P10

12

29

42.77S130

1750.74EP8

124542.65S

129

34

19.91EP4

1303

18.72S

126

07

23.22EP2

14

1923.77S123

32

01.45EPIPELINE ROUTE—OPTION 2
P1

13

44

55.44S123

15

04.50EP3

1233

40.19S125

53

50.63EP5

11

1431.68S

128

04

32.73EP9

11

58

06.81S130

25

42.63E

P11

12

02

48.28S130

40

15.41E

P12

12

21

05.95S130

41

15.03E

P10

12

29

42.77S130

1750.74EP7

12

1343.41S129

27

47.85EP6

1150

20.32S

128

07

14.08EP4

1303

18.72S

126

07

23.22EP2

14

1923.77S123

32

01.45EONSHORE DEVELOPMENT AREA (BLAYDIN POINT)
B1

12

32

09.03S130

52

29.30EB2

1232

10.90S130

53

27.36EB3

12

3300.13S13054

32.01EB4

1231

33.23S130

55

07.42EB5

1231

20.35S

130

55

00.33EB6

12

3105.43S130

54

41.56EB7

123030.70S130

53

15.65EB8

1230

47.85S130

5459.74EB9

1230

41.85S

130

55

11.18E

B10

12

30

38.35S130

55

31.65E

B11

12

30

44.80S

130

55

34.17E

B12

12

30

52.43S

130

55

20.75E

B13

12

31

26.88S130

55

39.73E

B14

12

31

54.22S130

55

25.76E

B15

12

32

40.33S130

5454.22E

B16

12

32

34.38S

130

55

12.54E

B17

12

32

54.94S130

55

23.86E

B18

12

33

08.27S130

54

43.69E

B19

12

32

54.96S130

53

46.63EThe information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
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Figure 2-1: Offshore notional development area comprising the Field, pipeline and fixed-platform notional development areas

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and must not be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of
INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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Figure 2-2: Offshore pipeline notional development areas with example pipeline routes for each option

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Figure 2-3: Onshore development area at Blaydin Point

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LOCALITY
The Ichthys Field is located in the Browse Basin, 440 km north of Broome inWestern Australia, and 825 km west-south-west of Darwin in the Northern Territory(illustrated in Figure 2-4 and Figure 2-5 below). The offshore processing facilities
will be located in the vicinity of the Ichthys Field in water depths of more than
100 m.
A subsea pipeline will run between the Ichthys Field and Darwin Harbour. Tworoutes are currently under consideration as discussed in Section 3.2. The pipeline
will reach the shore at the point indicated on Figure 2-4, then continue along Middle
Arm via an approximately 8-km-long onshore section of pipe.
The onshore gas-processing facilities will be located at Blaydin Point in Darwin
Harbour. The onshore site is currently unallocated Crown land, but is zoned fordevelopment.

2.4

SIZE OF THE DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT OR WORK AREA
The development footprint of the Project area has three main components: theoffshore notional development area, the offshore pipeline route and the onshoredevelopment area.
The notional offshore development area encompasses an area of approximately
50 000 ha. It is illustrated in Figure 2-1 and represents the area within which theoffshore exploration and production facilities of the Ichthys Field will be located.
The offshore pipeline route (either Option 1 or Option 2 indicated in Figure 2-2) fromthe field to the shore crossing on Middle Arm will have an approximate footprint of
360 ha. This is allowing for the average length of the pipeline (900 km) with anappropriate buffer of 2 m on either side). The average width of the disturbancefootprint on each side of the pipeline will allow for varying stabilisation methods
depending on seabed conditions and depths. The pipeline corridor is likely to be
wider within nearshore areas where more stabilisation is required and narrower
within offshore areas where no stabilisation is required.
The onshore development area involves a development footprint of approximately
300 ha. This includes the onshore gas-processing facilities, the storage and productexport area, the onshore pipeline route with a 50-m-wide buffer, the administration
facilities, and the construction laydown and future expansion areas as illustrated in
Figure 2-3.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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Figure 2-4: Location map and example offshore pipeline routes

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INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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Figure 2-5: Darwin Harbour and existing infrastructure

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STREET ADDRESS OF THE SITE
The onshore development area as presented in Figure 2-3 is currently unallocatedCrown land which has been zoned for development. There is no street address forthe site as yet. The nearest gazetted road reserve is Wickham Point Road leading
to the ConocoPhillips Darwin Liquefied Natural Gas Plant (Darwin LNG Plant).

2.6

LOT DESCRIPTION
The Ichthys Field is covered by Location 3SL/03-4 within the WA-285-P R1
exploration permit area in the Browse Basin.
The proposed onshore location is currently defined as Hundred of Ayers, Wickham
Point, Parcel Nos 1813, 1814.

2.7

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA AND COUNCIL CONTACT
Litchfield Shire Council: (08) 8983 1912, <council@lsc.nt.gov.au>. Local town
planning is, however, conducted by the Northern Territory Government.

2.8

PROJECT LIFE
The infrastructure described in this Referral will be in place for the operational life of
the Project which is expected to extend beyond 40 years.
A conceptual Project schedule is presented in Table 2-2. This includes key
milestones associated with Project design, construction and operation.
Table 2-2: Conceptual Project schedule
Development stage

Start

End

Concept selection

2nd half 2007

1st half 2008

FEED

2nd half 2008

Mid 2009

FID

2nd half 2009–

Construction and commissioning

2nd half 2009

2nd half 2013 / 1st half 2014

2nd half 2013 / 1st half 2014

After 2054

Production

2.9

ALTERNATIVES
Alternative components of the Project include alternative offshore design andalternative offshore pipeline routes. Refer to Section 3.2 for more details.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
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STATE ASSESSMENT
INPEX submitted a Notice of Intent (NOI) to the Northern Territory Government on
27 March 2008. This NOI represented an initial statement of advice and wasintended to initiate the environmental assessment process by the government.
Refer to Section 3.4 for more details.

2.11

COMPONENT OF LARGER ACTION
For the purposes of this Referral, the Project is not a component of a larger action.
Refer to Section 3.6 for more details.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.1

DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL

3.1.1

Site selection

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Following the appraisal of the Ichthys Field’s gas and condensate reserves basedon exploration conducted in 1999, INPEX investigated the options to bring thehydrocarbon products to market. This included site selection studies conductedfrom 2002 to 2004 to assess possible locations for the onshore gas-processing
component of the Project.
The studies indicated that the Maret Islands in the Kimberley region of Western
Australia were the most appropriate location for the onshore facility based on what
was understood at the time of the environmental, political, engineering andcommercial constraints. INPEX initiated an approvals process with theCommonwealth Government in 2006 in order to pursue this option. The Referral
under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth)(EPBC Act) was submitted in May 2006. This approvals process is ongoing.
However, companies wishing to locate an onshore facility in the Kimberley region
continue to face a complex series of constraints that make project development andsite approvals a challenging and increasingly uncertain process.
This uncertainty has prompted INPEX to revisit sites considered in earlier stages ofthe development process and in mid-2007 it was determined that it would betechnologically feasible to export Ichthys gas to an onshore gas-processing facility
in the Darwin region.
In consultation with the Northern Territory Government, the Blaydin Point site wasselected as the preferred option for the onshore component of the Project. It is thegovernment’s preferred site for an LNG facility and is zoned as an industrial area
under the Northern Territory Planning Scheme specifically for LNG (DPI 2008).
In addition, INPEX has previously undertaken a sensitivity study assessing a
number of potential northern Australian sites against a range of environmental,social and economic criteria. This study was aimed at the identification of an
onshore site for the development of a project separate from the Ichthys Field
development and drew on previous experience in other major site selection studies
for industrial facilities in northern Western Australia, and experience in the Northern
Territory coastal and marine environment. This study found major advantages todevelopment within the Darwin Harbour area, and specifically at Blaydin Point,
compared with other sites in Northern Australia (URS 2006).
This Referral will initiate the Commonwealth environmental approvals process for
the Ichthys Gas Field Development Project at the Blaydin Point site in Darwin. This
will run in parallel with the approvals process for the alternative Maret Islands site in
the Kimberley region of Western Australia until a decision is made by INPEX and its
joint venture participant, Total, to pursue only one of these options.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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Major project components
The infrastructure required for the Project, with onshore facilities based at Blaydin
Point, will include the following major components:•

approximately 50 subsea wells spread over a number of drilling centres andfed back to the offshore processing facilities via subsea flowlines•

a central processing facility (CPF) for offshore gas and liquid extraction andprocessing•

floating production, storage and offtake (FPSO) facilities for offshore storageand export of condensate•

an offshore pipeline from the CPF to a shore-crossing location on the westernside of Middle Arm, Darwin Harbour•

an onshore pipeline from the shore-crossing location to a gas-processing
plant

•

onshore gas processing at Blaydin Point.

A range of supporting infrastructure will also be required, including:•a product offloading jetty (whose final layout will be determined throughstakeholder consultation)•a materials offloading facility (MOF)•

sealed weatherproof roads•

common utilities and a control room•

associated on-site infrastructure (e.g. offices, workshops and warehouse)•power generation facilities•

a wastewater treatment plant.

A description of the major Project components and their supporting infrastructure isprovided in the following subsections.

Offshore extraction, processing and condensate offtake
The offshore infrastructure will consist of a number of drilling centres, including
approximately 50 subsea wells which will be tied back to manifolds. Drilling centres
will have infield flowlines and flexible risers for submarine transfer of the reservoir
gas and fluids to the CPF, an offshore semi-submersible platform. The CPF willcontain the initial gas-processing and compression facilities as well as various
utilities and living quarters for up to 200 personnel.
Condensate will be transferred from the CPF to a moored FPSO for stabilisationand export. Condensate will be exported from the FPSO via a floating loading hose
to offtake tankers. The FPSO will also treat and dispose of produced water. It will belocated approximately 2 km from the CPF and will contain liquid (condensate andwater) treatment facilities, living quarters and associated utilities.
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Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2 below illustrate the offshore development concept from,first, an underwater and, secondly, an above-water perspective.
A fixed platform concept is also being considered as an alternative to having
floating facilities. This alternative includes the construction of one or more fixed
platforms in shallower waters (depths of 100–120 m) 40 km south-west of theIchthys Field that may vary in size and functionality. The fixed facilities will include
gas and condensate separation, condensate stabilisation, liquid treatment, MEG(monoethylene glycol) regeneration, gas dehydration and compression, support
facilities and accommodation.
If the fixed platform option is adopted, the condensate would be stored on a floatingstorage and offtake (FSO) unit moored about 2 km from the fixed platform or,alternatively, stored in one of the platform bases and exported through a floating
loading buoy.

Subsea pipeline
It is proposed that gas and liquid hydrocarbons will be transported from the Ichthys
Field to the Blaydin Point onshore processing facilities via a subsea pipeline. The
pipeline will be in the range of 850–935 km long, depending on the route taken, withan expected minimum diameter of 42 inches (c.1.07 m).
The subsea pipeline route is yet to be finalised, with the following two options
currently being considered (Figure 2-4).
•

Option 1: A direct line from the offshore facility to the mouth of Darwin
Harbour, and then through the harbour to Blaydin Point.

•

Option 2: A route extending north-east around the existing (military) Northern
Australia Exercise Area then south-east to Darwin Harbour, entering as for
Option 1.

The pipeline routes and associated installation activities will be designed to avoid
direct and indirect impacts on Browse Island and its adjoining reef. The pipeline
route will deviate from a direct route in order to avoid any other subsea obstructions
or sensitive habitats found during the seabed route survey.
Within Darwin Harbour, it is proposed that the subsea pipeline will follow a similarroute to the existing ConocoPhillips Bayu-Undan pipeline to Wickham Point(Figure 2-4 and Figure 2-5).

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Figure 3-1: Indicative underwater schematic of the drilling centres, CPF and FPSO

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Figure 3-2: Indicative above-water schematic of the drilling centres, CPF and FPSO

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Shore crossing and onshore pipeline
The subsea pipeline will be linked to the Blaydin Point onshore processing facility
via a length of onshore pipeline. The onshore pipeline route and shore-crossing
location have not yet been finalised and their selection depends on a range of
geotechnical, economic and environmental factors to be studied as part of theenvironmental impact assessment process.
At this stage, the preferred shore crossing is located between Wickham Point andChannel Island as indicated in Figure 3-3.
The onshore pipeline would follow the existing road alignment of Wickham Point
Road for approximately 2.5 km, then proceed northerly to the onshore processing
facility site at Blaydin Point, a total distance of approximately 8 km.

Onshore gas-processing facility
Hydrocarbon gas and liquids brought onshore via the subsea pipeline will be treatedat an onshore gas-processing facility at Blaydin Point. Gas and liquids (condensate
and LPGs) will be separated and processed. All products will then be stored forexport via international shipping from Darwin Harbour.
The onshore gas-processing facility will have a nominal design life of 40 years. The
initial development of the gas field, onshore gas-processing plant and associatedinfrastructure is currently proposed to provide the following capacity:•

LNG: approximately 8 Mt/a from two trains, increasing to approximately
10 Mt/a through debottlenecking•

LPG: approximately 1.6 Mt/a•

Condensate: approximately 100 000 bpd (85 000 bpd to be processed andexported from the offshore facility, 15 000 bpd to be processed onshore).

A conceptual site plan for the proposed onshore facilities is presented in Figure 3-3.
The primary components of the onshore gas-processing facility are as follows:•a gas reception area (with a pig receiver and slug catcher)•

two LNG liquefaction trains•

an LPG fractionation plant•a condensate stabilisation plant•gas turbines for power generation•

LNG, LPG and condensate storage facilities.

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Product export
Products from the onshore gas-processing facility will be exported by ship, using
the product offloading jetty. The final layout and orientation of the jetty will be
determined through stakeholder consultation.
Shipping movements during operations are expected to consist of approximately
two to three LNG shipments per week, one to two LPG shipments per week andone condensate shipment per month.

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Figure 3-3: Conceptual site plan for the onshore gas-processing facility, onshore pipeline and MOF at Blaydin Point

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Key associated activities
A range of activities will be specific to different phases of the Project. The key
activities that have a potential to impact “matters of national environmental
significance” (as defined by the EPBC Act) occur within the 4–5 year construction
phase of the project. Other activities during commissioning and operations have alimited potential to impact matters of national environmental significance. Key
activities associated with the Project are outlined below.

Offshore activities

Drilling and subsea structure installation
Subsea systems comprise subsea wells, a wellhead and a subsea tree connected
to a manifold. Development of the Ichthys Field will require the drilling of a number
of wells over the Project’s lifetime. The final number of wells required will be
determined in detailed design but will be in the order of 50 wells with around20 wells being drilled in the initial construction period.
Drilling is likely to be undertaken using a semi-submersible rig which is anchoredinto position. In the process of drilling the development wells, rocks crushed andground by the drill bit are generated. These are referred to as “drill cuttings”. Drill
cuttings must be continuously removed from the hole using drilling fluids. The
majority of these cuttings are discharged to sea.
The subsea system constructed on top of the wells forms the interface between thewell and the CPF. The subsea trees and manifolds will be installed by the drilling rig
as part of the drilling process. Installation on the seabed will involve either piled
foundations or spread-concrete foundations. Further geotechnical investigation will
determine which option will be used. Infield flowlines, jumpers and umbilicals will be
installed from pipelay vessels or diving support vessels and connection to thesubsea equipment and the CPF will be completed by remotely operated vehicles(ROVs) or by divers.

Installation and commissioning of the floating and fixed facilities
Offshore facilities and their process components are typically constructed at off-site
fabrication shipyards.
Integration of the process modules and hulls typically takes place at the fabrication
yards with the completed facilities being sailed into place at the gas field. Once thefacilities are in place, they will be detached from the towing or transport vessel andeither de-ballasted in the case of floating facilities or lifted and fixed to the seabed in
the case of the fixed platform.
The export pipeline and flowline risers will be installed between the seabed and the
CPF and the facility will be pressure-leak tested with seawater containing corrosion
inhibitors.

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INPEX intends to maximise offsite trialling and pressure-testing of facility
components. Completion of the offshore facilities will coincide with the completion of
the onshore plant and when all facilities are certified as ready the first hydrocarbons
can be introduced into the system.

Pipeline installation
The offshore subsea pipelines will be laid using a pipelay barge kept in position
using either dynamic position systems or an anchor system, depending on thedepth of water, seabed conditions and vessel availability. Pipeline sections are
welded together on the pipelay barge and laid over the stern of the barge. Prior tolaying the pipeline, pre-lay preparation may involve sand-wave pre-sweeping.
In order to protect the pipeline from damage and movement, the entire length of thepipeline will require concrete-weight coating.
Following the installation of the pipeline and stabilising rock armour, further
disturbance to the seabed is not foreseen.

Darwin Harbour activities

Construction of the pipeline and shore crossing
It is likely that the subsea pipeline will require burial (in a pre-dredged trench) insome or all parts of the alignment in Darwin Harbour, and may also require rockdumping to ensure bottom stability and protection from groundings or anchor
dragging from other vessels. A source of subtidal marine sands somewhere in the
Darwin region may be required to provide pipeline trench backfill material of theappropriate grain size.
The pipeline shore crossing is likely to be constructed using an open-cut trench
design similar to that used at the ConocoPhillips LNG facility at Wickham Point.
This involves dredging and excavating a trench, installing onshore winches andpulling the pipeline to shore from the anchored pipelay barge with a winch cable.
Following the shore-pull operation, the trench may be rock-dumped offshore andreinstated onshore.

Construction of the jetty
The product offloading jetty is likely to be constructed using conventional pilingtechniques working out from an abutment. These techniques involve piling fromjack-up barges. The jetty deck is likely to be constructed from precast deck sections
installed on beams spanning the piled substructures.

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Dredging and dredge spoil disposal
Dredging will be required for the development of a navigation channel andship-turning basin, as well as for the preparation of the pipeline approach.
Requirements for dredging the MOF are anticipated to be relatively small. The
current estimate of total spoil volume is approximately 5 Mm3. A breakdown of theestimated dredge volumes are detailed in Table 3-1 below.
Figure 3-4 below illustrates the navigation channels and turning basin for the LNG
and LPG carriers.
A dredge spoil disposal location will be required and options are currently being
investigated, including the option of using settlement ponds at East Arm Wharf andoffshore areas adjoining Darwin Harbour. INPEX will consult with key stakeholders(including the Darwin Port Corporation, the Darwin Harbour Advisory Committee,
the Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts (NRETA), theCommonwealth’s Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
(DEWHA) and the local community) to identify appropriate disposal locations. A
dredge management plan will be developed prior to the commencement ofdredging.
Table 3-1: Estimated dredge volumes for Project activities
Activity

Volume of dredging required

Shipping channel and turning basin

Approximately 4 Mm3

Pipeline approachLess than 1 Mm3 within Darwin Harbour

Materials offloading facility

Under investigation, but volumes are expected to berelatively small

Maintenance dredging will also be required during operations to preserve
appropriate water depths within the shipping channel and turning basin. Dredge
spoil volumes to be generated have not yet been calculated but will be significantly
less than the initial volumes during construction.

Marine exclusion zones
Throughout construction and into operations there will be a need for an exclusionzone in the nearshore marine waters around Blaydin Point. This is to ensure thesafety of personnel and the public. The size of the exclusion zone is yet to be
determined but will include the MOF area, the jetty and a perimeter exclusion zone
around Blaydin Point. These exclusion zones will be prescribed by safety analysis
and established in consultation with relevant stakeholders. They are anticipated tobe consistent with those implemented for the ConocoPhillips-operated LNG plant at
Wickham Point.

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Figure 3-4: Navigation channels, turning basin and pipeline route

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Shipping movements
An increase in shipping movements within Darwin Harbour can be anticipated fromthe construction phase onwards. During construction, ship movements would
include, but not be limited to, heavy-lift vessels and barges, pipe-laying vessels andpipe transport barges, miscellaneous cargo ships and dredging vessels. With the
exception of heavy-lift barges, which will use the MOF to be constructed at Blaydin
Point, construction phase cargo is expected to be offloaded at East Arm Wharf. The
materials and equipment required during construction will be transported by road.

Onshore development area construction activities

Land clearing
It is anticipated that clearing and earthworks will be conducted over the area
identified in Figure 3-5. The total area to be cleared within this proposal isapproximately 300 ha. INPEX has aimed to minimise clearing to the greatest
possible extent and will rehabilitate any mangrove areas which will be temporarily
disturbed.

Site earthworks
It is anticipated that most of the earthworks will be local cut-to-fill operations. The
onshore sites for the gas-processing plant and administration area have been
designed to minimise borrow material requirements. Flare construction will
maximise use of borrow material from an existing borrow pit located south of the
Project administration area. Additional borrow pits may need to be developed tomeet full Project needs.
Volumes of the cut, fill, rock protection and borrow requirements for the onshore
gas plant and administration area are summarised in Table 3-2. Borrow material
along with aggregate, sand and other earthwork material will be placed on the site,
as will related plants such as crushing and screening and concrete batching.
Table 3-2: Provisional earthwork volumes anticipated for construction of the onshore
facilities
Facility

Cut
(Mm3)

Fill
(Mm3)

Balance(Mm3)

Rock protection(Mm3)

Onshore gas plant

0.7

0.8

0.1

0.058

Flare

none

0.6

0.6

0.012

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Figure 3-5: Land-clearing and vegetation communities

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Assembly of the gas-processing plant
At this stage the construction method for major components of the onshore
gas-processing facility has not been finalised. It is likely that a combination of
on-site purpose-built modules and imported pre-assembled modules will be used toconstruct the plant. Suppliers for pre-assembled modules have not yet been
identified but may be sourced from within Australia or from Asia.

Services and utilities
It is assumed that public utility services such as water supply may be required fromthe onset of construction and may also be required into the operations phase.
Construction of a wastewater treatment plant will also likely be necessary.

Construction workforce
The workforce required at the peak of construction activity is provisionally assumed
to be in the order of 2000 to 3000 people working on site. While local workers will
be utilised to the maximum extent possible, some of the construction work force
could be on a fly-in, fly-out roster.
Housing will be provided locally (in Darwin and Palmerston) or potentially at athird-party construction camp, also external to the Blaydin Point site.

Construction schedule
Construction for the Project is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2009and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2013 to first half of 2014.
This conceptual schedule will be influenced by many factors, particularly the plant
construction methods. It is not yet known whether the plant components will be
purpose-built modules or installed using pre-assembled modules.

3.1.4

Emissions, discharges and wastes
Air emissions
Emissions from the onshore gas-processing facility will include the following:•

nitrogen oxides (NOx)•sulfur oxides (SOx)•carbon dioxide (CO2)•carbon monoxide (CO)•particulate matter•methane (CH4)•

volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

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Air emissions from the onshore facility will be modelled to ensure that ground-level
concentrations will comply with the relevant ambient air quality standards, notably
the national environment protection standards set by the National Environmental
Protection Measure (NEPM).
In addition, ozone (O3) will be produced from the reaction of nitrogen oxides with
VOCs in sunlight; this will also be modelled and compared against the NEPM.
Cumulative air emissions from other existing industries will be taken into accountwithin the air quality assessments to be conducted as part of the environmental
assessment process.

Greenhouse gas emissions
INPEX recognises the capacity of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to impact on theenvironment on a global scale through their contribution to the phenomenon of
global warming. As part of INPEX’s commitment to the reduction of GHGs across its
operations, a GHG emissions assessment has been conducted for all onshore andoffshore activities associated with the Ichthys Project.
The Project will have two significant sources of GHG emissions: reservoir carbon
dioxide (CO2) and combustion GHG emissions. Reservoir CO2 is the term used todescribe CO2 that is naturally present in the natural gas reservoir and which has
traditionally been vented to the atmosphere when the reservoir gas is processed to
produce LNG. Combustion GHGs are produced in large volumes from the gas
production process, from gas turbines for compression and power generation, andto a lesser extent from acid gas removal units, hot-oil furnaces and flares.
INPEX is committed to reducing GHGs from its operations. In order to realise thiscommitment, an assessment will be undertaken through the design process to
identify technical abatement and offset opportunities to reduce net GHG emissions.
INPEX’s environmental policy requires the company to actively promote thereduction of GHG emissions in a safe and technically and commercially viable
manner.

Liquid discharges
Process discharges from the offshore facilities are likely to consist of produced
water, cooling water, sewage and deck drainage.
For the onshore processing facilities, a wastewater discharge outfall at an
appropriate location may be required for nearshore disposal of treated wastewater
which may contain trace levels of hydrocarbons and production chemicals. As theonshore gas-processing plant will be air-cooled, there will be no requirement forwarm-water discharge. Other water discharges will include stormwater from
non-process areas and treated sewage.
Modelling will be undertaken to demonstrate the environmental acceptability of any
discharge streams. A liquid discharge and drainage management plan will be
developed prior to the commencement of construction.

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WastesWaste streams during construction are likely to include:•

offcuts of fabrication materials, such as steel and electrical wiring•

packaging materials, such as wood, cardboard and plastic•

general domestic wastes and sewage from crib rooms and toilets•

machinery wastes, including lubricating oil, filters, etc.

Waste streams during operations are likely to include:•hydrocarbon and chemical wastes•

packaging materials, such as wood, cardboard and plastic•

general domestic wastes and sewage from crib rooms and toilets•

machinery wastes, including lubricating oil, filters and oily rags.

Waste streams will be characterised in more detail, and disposal methods
investigated during the development of the waste management plan for the Project.
The philosophy for waste management will be to reduce at source, reuse andrecycle where possible.

3.1.5

Rehabilitation and decommissioning
Decommissioning of the both the onshore and offshore facilities will commence atthe end of the Project’s life in accordance with relevant national and state legislation
and any conditions laid down during the approvals process.
Decommissioning of the offshore facilities will involve the removal of the CPF,FPSO, wellheads and manifolds. Decisions on the decommissioning of the infield
flowlines, risers, suction pile anchors and the export pipeline will be subject to acomprehensive risk assessment conducted in consultation with the regulatory
authorities.
Onshore decommissioning and rehabilitation will be agreed with the Northern
Territory Government prior to the commencement of decommissioning. Options forthe rehabilitation of the site will be appraised and a final decommissioning plan
determined. Options may range from site levelling for further industrial use to
rehabilitation to a state equivalent to that which existed prior to the Project being
constructed. There will also be a need for rehabilitation plans for temporarily
disturbed areas such as the shore crossing, pipeline routes and temporary
construction laydown areas.
The initial design of facilities to be installed at Blaydin Point will include reasonable
practicable measures to ensure that decommissioning can be safely performed.

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ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS, TIME FRAMES OR ACTIVITIES FORMINGPART OF THE REFERRED ACTION
Blaydin Point is the Northern Territory Government’s preferred site for an LNG
facility and is zoned as an industrial area under the Northern Territory Planning
Scheme specifically for LNG (DPI 2008). The government has designated Middle
Arm Industrial Estate for all future gas processing in the Darwin region. No
alternatives to Blaydin Point are therefore being considered for the onshore
component of the Project as part of this Referral.
Alternatives that form part of this Referral
Alternatives that form part of this Referral include the following:•

Alternatives for the offshore concept may include having fixed platforms inshallower waters 40 km south-west of the Ichthys Field. The potential location
for the fixed platforms has been included in the notional offshore development
area as a “notional fixed-platform development area” and a “notional pipeline
development area” (Figure 2-1). These have been included on the databasesearch for “matters of national environmental significance” (seeSection 3.4.1).

•

Alternative routes for the offshore pipeline are part of this referred action.
Option 1 extends directly from the offshore facilities (either the CPF or theshallow-water fixed platform) to the mouth of Darwin Harbour and thence tothe shore crossing at Blaydin Point (a total distance of approximately 850 km)
and Option 2 travels north-east and then south-east to avoid crossing themilitary zone known as the Northern Australia Exercise Area (a total distanceof approximately 935 km). These options each allow for a 60-km-wide
development area which will be narrowed to a localised footprint of the
42-inch pipeline and required stabilisation methods such as trenching androck dumping. The final route will be selected in consultation with the relevant
authorities, and in particular with the Australian Defence Force, but willapproximate a direct route with minor deviations to accommodate potential
subsea structures and sensitive habitats.

•

Other potential pipeline shore-crossing and overland routes may beinvestigated as alternative options.

Alternatives that do not form part of this Referral
In parallel with this Referral, INPEX is undertaking an approvals process for an
onshore gas-processing facility at the Maret Islands in the Kimberley region ofWestern Australia. This alternative approval includes infrastructure at the Ichthys
Field which is specifically designed for the Maret Islands case. This approvals
process is ongoing and is independent of this Referral.

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30 of 66PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED ALTERNATIVES AND THE “DO NOTHING”
CASE“Do nothing” case
The consequences of “doing nothing” would essentially be threefold:

3.4•

As the permit holder and Operator for the Ichthys Field, INPEX has an
obligation to undertake exploration of its permit area, verify the nature andextent of the reserves within the area, and if resources are found, investigate
the manner in which it can make these reserves available to gas buyers.
Should the Project not proceed, this obligation would not be met.

•

Significant social and economic advantages resulting from the Project, tonorthern Australia in general and to the Darwin region in particular, would be
lost. The Project would generate major new export income and employment
and would strengthen the Northern Territory’s economic development. It
would be the largest private-sector investment in the history of the Darwin
region and would provide opportunities for business and employment for overfour decades.

•

The opportunity to deliver substantial tax revenues to Australian governments
over a period of 40 years would be lost and INPEX would be unable tocontribute to the growth and development of the Australian economy.

CONTEXT, PLANNING FRAMEWORK AND STATE/LOCALGOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS
The Project will be subject to Commonwealth jurisdiction for offshore infrastructure
and the offshore component of the subsea gas-export pipeline, and to Northern
Territory jurisdiction for all nearshore and onshore facilities. INPEX will requireapprovals or permits from Commonwealth, Western Australian state and Northern
Territory legislation for different components of the Project as described below.

3.4.1

Commonwealth legislative requirements
Onshore components of the Project will require approval under the EPBC Act due
to the potential for impact on “matters of national environmental significance”. In
addition, offshore components of the Project may require the following
Commonwealth approvals:•

Two pipeline licences may need to be issued under the Petroleum(Submerged Lands) Act 1967 (Cwlth):−a Commonwealth pipeline licence issued by Western Australia’s
Department of Industry and Resources (as the “Designated Authority”) for
the section of pipeline running through Commonwealth waters adjacent toWestern Australia

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a Commonwealth pipeline licence issued by the Northern Territory’s
Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines for the second
section running through Commonwealth waters adjacent to Northern
Territory waters.

•

A production licence must be obtained from the Department of Resources,
Energy and Tourism (DRET) under the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act
1967 (Cwlth).

•

Environment plans prepared under the Petroleum (Submerged Lands)(Management of Environment) Regulations 1999 (Cwlth).

(As noted below, a third pipeline licence will need to be issued by the Northern
Territory Government for the pipeline section in the territorial waters within three
nautical miles of the Northern Territory coast.)

3.4.2

State/territory legislative requirements
Northern Territory legislative requirements
The Project has been referred to the Environment, Heritage and the Arts Division(EHA) of NRETA via a Notice of Intent (NOI), under the Environmental Assessment
Act 1982 (NT); the NOI was submitted on 27 March 2008. Other Northern Territory
legislative consents and licences which may be required by the Project are as
follows:•

sacred sites clearance from the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority under
the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 (NT); this has alreadybeen received by INPEX•

a waste discharge licence from NRETA under the Water Act 1992 (NT)•an environmental protection licence from NRETA under the Waste
Management and Pollution Control Act 1998 (NT)•a development consent authority from the Department of Planning andInfrastructure (DPI) under the Planning Act 1999 (NT)•a pipeline licence from the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries andMines under the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1981 (NT)•a pipeline licence, from the Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries andMines (DPIFM), under the Energy Pipelines Act 1981 (NT) for the section of
the offshore pipeline that runs through Northern Territory waters up to theshore crossing.

Western Australian legislative requirements
The Western Australian Government will have no specific legislative requirements.
Its Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR) will continue to operate as the“Designated Authority” for the Commonwealth Department of Resources, Energy
and Tourism in Commonwealth waters offshore Western Australia for the following:

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the issue of Commonwealth approval for the section of pipeline running
through Commonwealth waters adjacent to Western Australia•

the administration of offshore titles, exploration permits, etc., on behalf of theCommonwealth Government•

the administration of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) (Management ofEnvironment) Regulations 1999 (Cwlth) within state-managed jurisdiction.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS UNDER COMMONWEALTH,STATE OR TERRITORY LEGISLATIONINPEX submitted an NOI to the Northern Territory Government on 27 March 2008.
This NOI represents an initial statement of advice to the Northern Territory
Government and is intended to initiate the environmental assessment process by
the Environment, Heritage and the Arts Division (EHA) of the territory’s Departmentof Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts (NRETA).
The NOI was prepared in accordance with the Environmental Assessment Act 1982
(NT) and the accompanying Environmental Assessment Administrative Procedures
1984 and is aimed at assisting in the determination of the level of assessment. The
level of assessment applied is expected to be a public environmental report (PER)or an environmental impact statement (EIS).
Consultation to date has focused on government agencies, including the Northern
Territory’s Chief Minister’s office, the DPI, NRETA, Darwin Port Corporation andother selected stakeholders such as the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of theNorthern Territory (AFANT), the Environment Centre Northern Territory andAboriginal representatives from the Larrakia people.
A comprehensive stakeholder and community consultation program will be
undertaken during the environmental impact assessment process and on an
ongoing basis throughout the life of the Project.

3.6

A STAGED DEVELOPMENT OR COMPONENT OF A LARGER PROJECT
Provision will be made within the design of the onshore gas-processing plant toallow for an expansion of the facilities. However, any future expansion would becontingent on its economic feasibility and would be subject to a separate
environmental assessment process.
For the purposes of this Referral, the Project is not a component of a larger action.

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4

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

4.1

MATTERS OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCEThe EPBC Act “Protected Matters search tool” was accessed on the Internet on
5 May 2008 at <http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html> to identify“matters of national environmental significance” (DEWHA 2008). Four separate
reports were generated as follows:•

Notional offshore development area—an area search comprising threecomponents: the notional field development area, the notional pipeline
development area and the notional fixed-platform development area with a
1-km buffer (Figure 2-1)•

Pipeline Option 1—an area search along the pipeline route direct from theIchthys Field to the edge of Darwin Harbour with a 1 km buffer (Figure 2-2)•

Pipeline Option 2—an area search along the pipeline route around theNorthern Australia Exercise Area with a 1 km buffer (Figure 2-2)•

Onshore development area—point search centred at Blaydin Point with a
20-km buffer to ensure that Darwin Harbour and the onshore areas were
included.

The four search reports and the coordinates used are provided in Appendix B which
is an attachment to this Referral document.

4.1 (a) World heritage properties
There are no world heritage properties in or adjacent to the offshore or onshore
Project area.

4.1 (b) National heritage places
There are no national heritage places in or adjacent to the offshore or onshore
Project area.

4.1 (c) Wetlands of international significance (Ramsar)
There are no wetlands of international significance in terms of the Ramsar
Convention in or adjacent to the offshore or onshore Project area.

4.1 (d) Listed threatened species and ecological communities
The EPBC Act Protected Matters Report identifies 8 threatened animal species that
may inhabit the notional offshore development area, 11 species along the pipeline
route and 16 in the onshore development area (Table 4-1 below). There were nodifferences in the species identified within the two pipeline routes.

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Table 4-1: Threatened and migratory species that may inhabit the Project area (DEWHA 2008)
SpeciesCommon name

Status

Notional offshoredevelopment area

Pipeline routes andDarwin Harbour

Onshoredevelopment area

BIRDS
Erythrotriorchis radiatus

Red goshawk

Vulnerable

9

Erythrura gouldiae

Gouldian finch

Endangered/migratory

9

Geophaps smithii smithii

Partridge pigeon (eastern)

Vulnerable

9

Tyto novaehollandiae
kimberli

Masked owl (northern)

Vulnerable

9

Balaenoptera musculus

Blue whale

Endangered/migratory

99

Megaptera novaeangliae

Humpback whale

Vulnerable/migratory

9

9

Dasyurus hallucatus

Northern quoll

Endangered

9

Xeromys myoides

Water mouse

Vulnerable

9

Saccolaimus saccolaimus
nudicluniatus

Bare-rumped sheathtail bat

Critically endangered

9

Chelonia mydas

Green turtle

Vulnerable/migratory

9

9

9

Dermochelys coriacea

Leatherback turtle

Vulnerable/migratory

9

9

9

Natator depressus

Flatback turtle

Vulnerable/migratory

9

9

9

Caretta caretta

Loggerhead turtle

Endangered/migratory

9

9

9

Eretmochelys imbricata

Hawksbill turtle

Vulnerable/migratory

9

9

9

Lepidochelys olivacea

Pacific (olive) ridley turtle

Endangered/migratory

9

9

MAMMALS

REPTILES

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SHARKS
99

9

Rhincodon typus

Whale shark

Vulnerable/migratory

Pristis microdon

Freshwater sawfish

Vulnerable

9

Pristis zijsron

Green sawfish

Vulnerable

9

Ptychosperma bleeseri*

Darwin palm

Endangered

9

Typhonium taylori

A herb of the arum family

Endangered

9

PLANTS* Now Ptychosperma macarthurii.

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4.1 (e) Listed migratory species
There are 45 listed migratory species that may inhabit the offshore and onshore
Project area (DEWHA 2008). Ten of these migratory species are also identified as
threatened species and are listed in Table 4-1 above; the remainder are presented
in Table 4-2 below. It should be noted that some species occur in more than one
category (e.g. the cattle egret is listed as a migratory wetland bird and a migratory
marine bird).

4.1 (f) Commonwealth marine areas
The proposed offshore production facilities and pipeline will be situated in the
Commonwealth marine environment. The EPBC Act Protected Matters Report for
the notional offshore development area and the alternative pipeline routes identified
115 species covered by the marine provisions of the EPBC Act that may bepresent. These are:•23 bird species•

1 mammal species (dugong)•

34 species of fish (pipefish, seahorses and pipehorses)•

31 species of reptiles (seasnakes, turtles and a crocodile species)•

24 species of cetaceans (including the 10 whale and dolphin species listed inTable 4-1 above and Table 4-2 below).

Some of the bird, seasnake, turtle and cetacean species may transit through thearea but no critical habitats have been identified at the Ichthys Field or along thepipeline routes. Project activities will be significantly remote from islands or reefs
that could be expected to provide critical resource needs.

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Table 4-2: Migratory species that may inhabit the Project area (DEWHA 2008)
SpeciesCommon name

Notional offshoredevelopment area

Pipeline routes andDarwin Harbour

Onshoredevelopment area

MARINE BIRDS
Apus pacificus

Fork-tailed swift

99Ardea Alba

Great egret, white egret

99Ardea ibis

Cattle egret

99Sterna albifrons

Little tern

99Calonectris leucomelas(= Puffinus leucomelas)

Streaked shearwater

99Balaenoptera edeni

Bryde’s whale

99Balaenoptera bonaerensis

Antarctic minke whale99Dugong dugon

Dugong

9

Orcaella brevirostris*

Irrawaddy dolphin*

9

Orcinus orca

Killer whale, orca

Sousa chinensis

Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin

9Tursiops aduncus(Arafura/Timor Sea)

Spotted bottlenose dolphin

9Physeter macrocephalus

Sperm whale

MARINE MAMMALS

9

9

9

9

REPTLES
Crocodylus porosus

Estuarine crocodile, saltwater crocodile

9

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TERRESTRIAL BIRDS
Coracina tenuirostris
melvillensis

Melville cicadabird

9

9

Haliaeetus leucogasterWhite-bellied sea-eagle

99

Hirundo rustica

Barn swallow

99

Merops ornatus

Rainbow bee-eater

99Poecilodryas superciliosa
cervinientris

Derby white-browed robin

9

9

Rhipidura rufifrons

Rufous fantail

99Actitis hypoleucos

Common sandpiper

99Ardea alba

Great egret, white egret

99Ardea ibis

Cattle egret

99Arenaria interpres

Ruddy turnstone

9

9

Calidris alba

Sanderling

9

9

Calidris tenuirostrisGreat knot

99Charadrius leschenaultii

Greater sand plover

99Charadrius mongolus

Lesser sand plover, Mongolian plover

99Charadrius veredus

Oriental plover, oriental dotterel

99Glareola maldivarum

Oriental pratincole

99Limosa lapponica

Bar-tailed godwit

99Limosa limosa

Black-tailed godwit

9

9

Numenius minutus

Little curlew, little whimbrel

99

WETLAND BIRDS

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Numenius phaeopus

Whimbrel–

99Pluvialis squatarola

Grey plover

–

9

9

* In 2005 the “Irrawaddy” dolphins of northern Australia were recognised as a new species, the Australian snubfin dolphin Orcaella heinsohni (see<http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=45> (viewed 5 May 2008).

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IMPORTANT OR UNIQUE ASPECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
4.2 (a) Soil and vegetation characteristics

Soils
At Blaydin Point, the dominant soils on the undulating terrain are shallow (<0.25 m)
to moderately deep (0.25 to <0.5 m), very gravelly massive earths. The soils areclassified as Rudosols and Yellow Kandosols in the Australian Soil Classification(Isbell 1996). Soils in drainage lines and estuarine frontage are very poorly drained(Hydrosols) and subject to regular or seasonal inundation and waterlogging. A very
high risk of occurrence of potential acid sulfate soils is identified in these areas(Isbell 1996). The risk of erosion is moderate to high, due to the intense monsoonal
rainfall environment and the structureless nature of soils (Fogarty, Lynch & Wood1984).
The tidal mudflats surrounding the Blaydin Point site are likely to be similar in nature
to those at nearby Wickham Point, that is, composed of Quaternary marine
alluvium, of clay, silt and some fine sand (URS 2002).

Vegetation
INPEX has initiated baseline surveys of the Blaydin Point site, and a preliminary
vegetation map generated from these surveys is presented in Figure 3-5.
The surveys found that terrestrial vegetation of Blaydin Point comprises eucalyptus
woodland, with patches of dense monsoon vine forest. The eucalyptus woodland isdominated by Eucalyptus tectifica and E. polycarpa, while monsoon vine forest iscomposed predominantly of Acacia auriculiformis (GHD 2007). This vegetation type
is of regional conservation interest and is represented in over 35 000 ha regionally,of which approximately 50 ha is found on Blaydin Point.
These areas are surrounded by an area of mixed hinterland closed forest, which
gives way to primarily mangrove (Ceriops spp.) closed forest and tidal creek forest.
These mangrove communities are of regional significance and are included in aconservation zone. Of the 1595 ha of mangroves within Darwin Harbour, 95% arewithin this conservation zone and 1.5% have been cleared to date in total (Water
Monitoring Branch 2005).
The northern and eastern shoreline edges of Blaydin Point are lined by Sonneratia
woodland. Limited areas of salt flat and Avicennia open forest also occur on Blaydin
Point (GHD 2007).
The surveys found only one plant species listed as threatened under Northern
Territory legislation (the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1980). This is
the cycad Cycas armstrongii, which is endemic to the territory and classed asvulnerable. Although it is locally abundant across the western Darwin region, theCobourg Peninsula and the Tiwi Islands, it is listed as vulnerable because of its
poor representation in conservation reserves (approximately 1%), and because its
preferred habitat of deep loamy soils is favoured for agriculture, horticulture and
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forestry (GHD 2007). Apart from land clearing, the most significant threat to the
population of C. armstrongii is fire.

4.2 (b) Water flows, including rivers, creeks and impoundments
Blaydin Point is on the central northern tip of the Middle Arm Peninsula, andconsists of an “island” surrounded by intertidal flats, which are inundated at hightide. There are no rivers or creeks traversing the onshore Project area, although atidal creek runs down the western side of the site.
The phreatic groundwater table varies seasonally by up to 10 m and discharges tothe drainage lines and estuarine fringes (Fogarty, Lynch & Wood 1984).

4.2 (c) Outstanding natural features, including caves
As described in Section 4.2 (a), the Blaydin Point onshore Project site contains
patches of monsoon vine forest, and is fringed by mangrove communities. INPEX
has been advised by the Northern Territory regulatory agencies that both thesecommunities are considered of conservation value within the region.
There are no other significant natural features in the onshore or offshore Project
areas.

4.2 (d) Gradient
The onshore Project area is relatively low-lying. Fogarty, Lynch and Wood (1984)
described the terrain at Blaydin Point as gently undulating (1–3% slope) toundulating (3–10%) rises with less than 30 m relief.
Within the nearshore Project area, a 20-m-deep channel extends down the centreof Darwin Harbour, from Darwin port limits to the confluence of Middle Arm andEast Arm. The channel favours the eastern side of the harbour, with broad
shallower areas, intertidal flats and shoals occurring on the western side
(URS 2002).
The channel continues into East Arm, towards Blaydin Point, at water depths of>15 m LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide); the bathymetry in this area has been
modified by previous dredging for the East Arm Port development (URS 2002).
A slightly deeper channel extends into Middle Arm, up to the western side of
Channel Island. A shallower channel (generally at depths of <10 m LAT) separates
Wickham Point from Channel Island and terminates in Jones Creek.
Depths along the pipeline route start at 250 m at the Ichthys Field, decreasing to
between 50–150 m for approximately 700 km, then decreasing gradually until
reaching the shore-crossing location at Blaydin Point. A detailed topographic surveyof the sea floor has not yet been conducted but will be undertaken after the pipeline
route has been finalised, in order to inform the final pipeline design.

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4.2 (e) Buildings or other infrastructure
There are no existing buildings or other infrastructure at the Blaydin Point onshore
Project site. Nearby on the Middle Arm Peninsula there is an access road to theDarwin LNG Plant on Wickham Point. The Channel Island power station is also
located in close proximity to the Middle Arm Peninsula, to the south-west of the
Project area.
In the nearshore area, the Bayu-Undan pipeline extends through the harbour to theDarwin LNG Plant. Underwater power and communication cables also extend
across the harbour on the seafloor between Mandorah and Myilly Point (URS
2002).

4.2 (f) Marine areas

Notional offshore development area
The Ichthys Field lies 220 km from mainland Western Australia on the North West
Shelf, in water depths of 230–280 m. The seabed in the vicinity of the well field ispredominantly silty mud with heavy bioturbation (mixing of sediments by burrowing
organisms).
Soft substrates are typical of deep continental-shelf seabeds and this habitat type isvery widely distributed in the deeper parts of the North West Shelf. INPEX has
conducted ROV and grab sample investigations in the vicinity of the Ichthys Field inorder to gain a better understanding of the seabed.

Pipeline routes
The pipeline routes from the Ichthys Field to the entrance to Darwin Harbour have
not yet been surveyed. Information on the seabed characteristics along the pipeline
routes is based on publicly available broad-scale mapping carried out and collated
by various organisations such as Geoscience Australia.
Between the Ichthys Field and Darwin Harbour, both pipeline route options initiallycross the Oceanic Shoals Bioregion designated by IMCRA (Interim Marine andCoastal Regionalisation of Australia) followed by a relatively short section of theBonaparte Bioregion and finally the Anson–Beagle Bioregion. The seabed along theroutes across the Oceanic Shoals and Bonaparte bioregions is predominantly
composed of sands with areas of silty sands-muds generally associated with the leeof basins or palaeochannels. Nearer to shore the pipeline routes cross the northernpart of the Anson–Beagle Bioregion which is characterised by gravelly sands,
indicative of the significant input of sediments from terrigenous sources.
A portion of Pipeline route Option 2 parallels the existing Bayu-Darwin pipeline. The
seabed habitats along this portion of Option 2 have been described by LeProvost
Dames & Moore (1997) as predominantly silty sands with some ribbons of mobile,
megarippled coarser sands. To the north of Charles Point, there are frequent sandwaves (up to 3.5 m high). There are also isolated areas of calcarenite outcrops and

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scarps (LDM 1997), although the pipeline will be routed to avoid these wherepracticable.

Darwin Harbour
The Blaydin Point onshore development area is situated on the banks of Darwin
Harbour, a large tidal estuary that experiences large semidiurnal tides (up to 8 m)
and marked fluctuations in salinity due to freshwater inflows during the annual wet
season.
Darwin Harbour has a complex assemblage of habitat types, with large differencesin the extent of these. Many of the habitats are present as small units on a single
shoreline, with complex habitats such as rocky shores, mangroves and mudflats all
occurring within a small area (URS 2002).

4.2 (g) Kinds of fauna

Notional offshore development area
The soft sandy substrate of the Ichthys Field generally supports a diverse infaunalassemblage dominated by polychaetes and crustaceans that are widely distributedin the region. These bare substrates do not favour the development of diverse
epibenthic communities.
Surveys conducted by INPEX identified a range of benthic communities, withcomposition influenced by substrate type, water depth and probably current regime.
Deeper areas (150–250 m) generally supported very sparse benthic communities.
Soft substrates supported few species of epibenthic organisms. Hard substrates
were colonised by a more diverse assemblage, with species decreasing in densitywith decreasing depth. The more common epibenthic organisms associated withareas of hard substrate included sponges, gorgonians, crinoids and black corals, in
low to medium densities. Species density also appeared to relate to sediment
movement and seabed profile, with higher-profile features supporting significantly
more abundant communities than the flatter pavements.

Pipeline routes
Pipeline routes surveys will be conducted as part of the environmental assessment
process. However, it is likely that the benthic communities the pipeline will traverse
will be similar in nature to those within the Bayu-Undan pipeline corridor. The
predominant benthic fauna of the soft substrate areas are expected to bepolychaete worms and amphipods (small shrimp-like crustaceans) with lower
abundances of solitary corals, gastropod and bivalve molluscs, brittlestars and avariety of other crustaceans (LDM 1997).
Any areas of subtidal hard substrate within the pipeline corridors are likely to becolonised by epibenthic biota, predominantly sponges and soft corals, the latterincluding gorgonian sea fans and sea whips, and potentially some scattered hardcorals (LDM 1997).

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
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Darwin Harbour
Major biota communities within the Darwin Harbour include the following:•rocky shore communities, particularly in the intertidal zone, which are
dominated by gastropods, chitons, bivalves, barnacles and Galeolaria worms•

mangroves, with associated rich assemblages of invertebrate fauna•

benthic fauna, including amphipod crustaceans and polychaete worms, which
provide a food source for fish and birds•

algal and sponge communities that have been found to be a food source fordugongs (Whiting 2001)•

coral communities, which are scattered as individual coral heads or colonies,
not continuous reefs. Soft corals were found to be abundant on intertidal rock
platforms at Wickham Point, along with sponges and mushroom-shaped
ascidians (tunicates)•

seagrasses, in sparse beds, and with limited distribution•

subtidal pavement biota, such as sponges, soft corals and gorgonian whips, inlocations where strong currents flow•

fish, of both resident benthic and transient pelagic species, in high abundance•

reptiles, including turtles and saltwater crocodiles•

mammals, including dugongs, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and Irrawaddy
river dolphins (the Australian populations of which have recently been
described as a new species Orcaella heinsohni, the Australian stumpfin
dolphin) (URS 2002).

The corals found in Darwin Harbour are those which are tolerant of conditions which
exclude the majority of coral species; these include variable salinity, high turbidity
and sedimentation. It is likely that at least those individual animals living well within
the harbour, such as the portion of the National Estate-registered coral area at
Channel Island, are in suboptimal habitats and are naturally stressed (LDM 1997).
Also, knowledge to date of the fish and invertebrate species living in Darwin
Harbour suggests that there is a broad distribution of the majority of marine species
and few, if any, species that would be restricted to the harbour itself. Instead Darwin
Harbour is one of many areas inhabited by the broader range of species (URS
2004).

Onshore development area
Detailed fauna studies of the Project area have commenced, including desktop
studies of available databases and field surveys. These studies aim to characterise
the habitats and species present within the area and provide an assessment of theirlocal, regional and national significance.
Surveys conducted by INPEX in the dry season of 2007 (GHD 2007) recorded one
bat species (Mormopterus loriae ridei) and little evidence of ground-dwelling
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mammals with only one mammal, the cosmopolitan pest species Rattus rattus
recorded during the trapping regime.
Of the 67 bird species observed, the most abundant and widespread was thewhite-throated honey eater (Melithreptus albogularis) followed by the little friarbird(Philemon citreogularis). Honeybirds (family Meliphagidae) were the most abundantand species-rich of groups followed by the fantails and flycatchers (family
Dicruridae).
A total of 14 species of reptile and 5 species of amphibians were recorded,
including the introduced cane toad, Bufo marinus.

4.2 (h) Current state of the environment

Notional offshore development area
Although the environment in the offshore development area can be considered to
be virtually undisturbed, petroleum companies have been undertaking seismic
surveys and exploratory drilling for potential oil and gas fields within the Browse
Basin region for several years. Petroleum seismic surveys and exploration may
cause low levels of disturbance; such as release of contaminants from drilling
operations.

Pipeline routes
The pipeline routes traverse largely undisturbed seabed habitat. The routes passthrough areas where trawl fisheries operate and there may therefore be somepre-existing disturbance to the seabed in these areas.
Once the pipeline enters Darwin Harbour, it will run parallel with the existing
Bayu-Undan pipeline which is in a previously disturbed area. For Option 1 thatpasses through the military zone of the Northern Australia Exercise Area, the
INPEX pipeline will meet the Bayu-Undan pipeline at the entrance to Darwin
Harbour and run parallel with it for approximately 30 km. Option 2 which
circumvents the military zone parallels the Bayu-Undan pipeline for approximately
330 km.
Current uses (see Section 4.2 (m)) are unlikely to have had significant adverse
environmental impacts.

Darwin Harbour
There is no evidence of widespread contamination impacts on sediment and water
quality, although localised impacts can be identified such as elevatedconcentrations of metals at the Iron Ore Wharf and Darwin central business district,associated with past loading practices of ore concentrate (Padovan 2003).
No designated marine pest species have become established within Darwin
Harbour (Russell and Hewitt 2000). However, ongoing monitoring and early

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
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detection measures are required to prevent the spread of marine pests throughcontainment and eradication.
Discharge of treated sewage and stormwater from urbanised areas also contributes
to areas of localised lower water quality (Padovan 2003).

Onshore development area
The onshore development area is currently natural vegetation as described in
Section 4.2 (a) and includes animals as described in Section 4.2 (g).
The declared weed Lantana camara has been recorded on nearby Wickham Point(URS 2002); at this stage its presence at Blaydin Point has not been confirmed.
Lantana is a Class B/C weed (growth and spread to be controlled) under the Weeds
Management Act 2001 (NT) (NRETA 2007).
The onshore development area is inhabited by cane toads (Bufo marinus) and theblack rat (Rattus Rattus) and indirect evidence has been recorded of feral pigs (Sus
scrofa) on Blaydin point (GHD 2007). Other feral animals are likely to inhabit thearea.
In addition, there are a number of human uses to the area (Section 4.2 (m)) whichhave caused low levels of disturbance through the creation of recreational vehicle
tracks and informal camping grounds.

4.2 (i) Commonwealth Heritage Places and places on the Register of the
National Estate
Not applicable. As the proponent is not a Commonwealth agency, and the proposal
will not affect Commonwealth land, the proponent is not required to address thissection.

4.2 (j) Known Indigenous heritage values
Not applicable. As the proponent is not a Commonwealth agency, and the proposal
will not affect Commonwealth land, the proponent is not required to address thissection.
An archaeological survey was commissioned by the Northern Territory Government.
The report found that all of the Indigenous archaeological sites identified in the
Project area at Blaydin Point can be managed appropriately. A Heritage
Management Plan will be developed for this purpose.

4.2 (k) Other important or unique values of the environment

Maritime archaeology within Darwin Harbour
The Northern Territory Heritage Register, maintained by NRETA, shows that the
wreck of the SS Ellengowan is located in the vicinity of the preferred nearshore
pipeline alignment in Darwin Harbour. This is the oldest known shipwreck in Darwin
The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
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Harbour and is one of the earliest examples of shipping associated with European
settlement in the area. It is a unique example of nineteenth-century maritime history
in the Northern Territory and is the only known Norwegian-built iron steamer
remaining in Australian waters. Therefore, its significance to maritime archaeology
is rated highly (NRETA 2008b).
Other marine archaeological sites, including Second World War heritage sites andplane wrecks, also occur in the vicinity of the Project area within Darwin Harbour.

4.2 (l) Tenure of the action area (e.g. freehold, leasehold)Notional offshore development area
The exploration permit WA-285-P R1 lies solely within Commonwealth waters.
INPEX is the Operator and 76% equity holder of this permit, with Total E&P
Australia holding a 24% participating interest. At the appropriate time in thedevelopment schedule, a portion of WA-285-P R1 will be subject to the acquisitionof a production licence and will convert to a Production Area.

Onshore development area
The Project site on Blaydin Point is currently unallocated Crown land falling within
the jurisdiction of the Litchfield Shire Council. The site is zoned for development,
according to the Northern Territory Planning Scheme (DPI 2008)

4.2 (m) Existing land uses

Notional offshore development area and pipeline routes
The Ichthys Field and surrounding waters are utilised by the Royal Australian Navy,
Australian and Indonesian fishing operations, commercial shipping operations andother petroleum development enterprises. There are numerous exploration activities
under way within the Browse Basin. Eight exploration wells have been drilled by
INPEX in the Ichthys Field. Other petroleum operations include the FPSOs Jabiru
Venture and Challis Venture.
The two pipeline routes between the Ichthys Field and the Darwin Harbour entrance
also traverse several commercial fisheries (LDM 1997):•

the Commonwealth-administered Northern Prawn Fishery. Most trawling
activity takes place well to the north and south of the Bayu-Undan – Darwin
pipeline route (and therefore away from INPEX’s Option 2 pipeline route),
although INPEX’s Option 1 route passes through an area of someconsiderable trawling effort. In addition to restricted access to a very small
portion of the trawling grounds during pipeline construction, an exclusion zone
may also be designated around the pipeline alignment during the operations
phase

•

the Commonwealth-administered Western Skipjack, Southern Bluefin Tuna,
Western Tuna and Billfish fisheries (though these are not known to be activein the Timor Sea region)

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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the Northern Territory-administered Demersal, Shark, Spanish Mackerel,
Coastal Line and Coastal Net fisheries. A variety of fishing methods are
employed, including pelagic gill nets, hook and line, fish traps, cast nets andscoop nets. There may be some temporary limitations to access of some of
the fishery areas during pipeline construction, though the only longer-term
restrictions are likely to be prohibition of bottom-disturbing activities (such as
anchoring) within the pipeline corridor.

Other than commercial fishing activity, water uses outside of Darwin Harbour within
the Project area are limited to military exercises within pipeline Option 1 andeco-based tourism within coastal and nearshore waters distant from the pipeline
route and offshore facility.

Darwin Harbour
Within Darwin Harbour, the most intensive use of the marine area is for commercial
shipping, recreational fishing, tourism and military activities. Darwin Harbour isclosed to commercial haul-net fishing and commercial mud-crab fishing.
Commercial line fishing and limited gill netting is permitted within the harbour (URS
2002). Underwater power and communication cables extend across the harbour on
the seafloor between Mandorah and Myilly Point, and the existing pipeline to theDarwin LNG Plant runs down the western side of the harbour (URS 2002).
The water surrounding Blaydin Point is used for recreational fishing, scuba diving,sailing and general boating. However, tour boats in Darwin tend to avoid the Blaydin
Point area because of navigational hazards in the shallow nearshore waters (URS
2002).

Onshore development area
A number of industrial facilities are in operation on the Middle Arm Peninsula andChannel Island. These include the Darwin LNG Plant and the Channel Island power
station and a number of aquaculture ventures including the Darwin Aquaculture
Centre (URS 2002).
There is a sealed gazetted road passing adjacent to the proposed onshoredevelopment area leading to the ConocoPhillips Darwin LNG Plant. Other accessand vehicle tracks at Blaydin Point are not maintained but are used for recreational
purposes. There is evidence of recreational activity throughout Blaydin Point (e.g.
informal camping and fishing areas).
There are also a number of borrow pits on Middle Arm Peninsula including a larger
one within the Project area adjacent to the proposed administration facilities(Figure 3-3).

4.2 (n) Proposed land uses
The Northern Territory Government has zoned Blaydin Point on the Middle Arm
Peninsula for development under the Northern Territory Planning Scheme 2008

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
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(DPI 2008). Middle Arm Peninsula has been specifically allocated as an area for
LNG development.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
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5

NATURE AND EXTENT OF LIKELY IMPACTS

5.1

LIKELY IMPACTS ON MATTERS OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTALSIGNIFICANCE
5.1 (a) Likely impact on the world heritage values of a declared world
heritage property
There are no world heritage properties in or adjacent to the offshore or onshore
Project areas.

5.1 (b) Likely impact on the heritage values of a listed national heritage
place
There are no national heritage places in or adjacent to the offshore or onshore
Project areas.

5.1 (c) Likely impact on the ecological character of a declared Ramsar
wetland
There are no wetlands declared in terms of the Ramsar Convention in or adjacentto the offshore or onshore Project areas.

5.1 (d/e) Likely impact on the members of a listed threatened species ora listed migratory species, or their habitat
A number of threatened or migratory species or their habitat have been identified as
being potentially present in the Project area (Table 4-1 and Table 4-2 above). The
results from the EPBC database search give a relatively coarse assessment of thepresence or absence of species which may not actually be present or utilise theProject area.
To ground-truth the database results, INPEX has been conducting baseline
ecological surveys to identify listed threatened species, and potential breeding or
roosting areas within the notional offshore development areas as well as theonshore development area at Blaydin Point.
Vessel transect, aerial and acoustic monitoring surveys of the Ichthys Field andinshore Kimberley waters were initiated in 2006 to determine the importance of
these areas to cetaceans and other marine megafauna. In total, 19 species ofwhales and dolphins have been recorded through the surveys. Minke whales(Balaenoptera acutorostrata) of the dwarf minke and possibly Antarctic minke
subspecies were recorded in the Browse Basin which may represent a feeding
habitat for these whales while they are passing through. Pygmy blue whales(Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) were recorded passing through the Browse
Basin during October 2006. Whether this represents an annual migration or an
opportunistic feeding event remains unknown. Humpback whales (Megaptera
novaeangliae) have been identified in the Browse Basin between August andOctober during the peak of the annual migration from Antarctic feeding grounds to
The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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breeding and calving grounds in the Kimberley region. Most humpback whales wererecorded well inshore of the Ichthys Field with the highest densities in Pender Bay
and Camden Sound between late August and early September. These areas havebeen identified as important calving areas in this and previous studies. Fifteen
species of toothed whales and dolphins were observed in the Browse Basin withlarge pods of dolphins common in offshore areas (Centre for Whale Research2007). The notional offshore development area is not considered to provide any
critical feeding, breeding or resting habitat for the species identified.
INPEX has also conducted preliminary flora and fauna studies of the onshoredevelopment area. These surveys recorded no significant plant and animal species
within the onshore and nearshore development area (GHD 2007). However, thenorthern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) has previously been recorded on Middle Arm
Peninsula and may use the Blaydin Point area. Loss of habitat is not considered to
be a threat to the northern quoll population; rather the species is highly susceptible
to cane toad poisoning and has declined or disappeared in areas of the Northern
Territory where cane toads have recently invaded (NRETA 2008a).
Potential impacts from the Project on those species identified from the EPBC
database search may result from the following:•

noise and physical disturbance to whales in offshore areas causing avoidance
behaviour or physical injury•

accidental hydrocarbon and chemical spills•

habitat disturbance and displacement during construction of the onshore
facilities, due to clearing of approximately 300 ha of vegetation on Blaydin
Point and adjoining areas on Middle Arm Peninsula.

The impacts from these activities on threatened or migratory species will be limited
due to the following factors:•

the small number of recorded threatened or migratory species within the
Project area (offshore, pipeline route and onshore development areas)•

the lack of sensitive cetacean habitat, such as feeding, breeding or resting
grounds within the notional offshore development area and pipeline routes•

the fact that there will be only localised and transient disturbance from drilling,
subsea and production facility installation•

the slow movement of the offshore pipelay barge allowing animals adequate
time for avoidance•

the fact that there will be little or no direct disturbance to potential foraging
areas for dugongs and turtles•

the absence of suitable habitat for turtles along the shorelines around Middle
Arm Peninsula•

the fact that vegetation associations in the Project area are well represented
throughout the Darwin and broader Northern Territory region

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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the low disturbance levels associated with offshore and onshore operational
activities.

For the above reasons, the likelihood of significant impacts on “matters of national
environmental significance” is expected to be low.

5.1 (f) Likely impact on the environment in part of the Commonwealthmarine area
The offshore Project components, including part of the pipeline route, will be
undertaken in a Commonwealth marine area and there may be requirements for
disposal of dredge spoil within Commonwealth waters.
The seabed habitat within the disturbance footprint of the Project is predominantly
sand with areas of silty sands-muds that support sparse and regionallywell-distributed benthic communities. Listed bird, seasnake, turtle and cetacean
species (as identified by the EPBC database search data in Appendix B, which is
an attachment to this Referral document) may transit through the area. However nocritical habitats or sensitive ecological receptors have been identified in the vicinityof the Ichthys Field or pipeline routes.
Activities associated with the offshore components will be typical of offshore
petroleum production operations. Potential impacts from may result from noise andphysical disturbance, liquid discharges and drill cuttings associated with drilling andinstallation of the offshore facilities and pipeline. These are predicted to be
temporary and localised in effect.
Noise from drilling activities and operation of vessels and equipment at the field
may induce disturbance behaviour or route alteration in migratory species but nosignificant physical disturbance is anticipated. Drilling and liquid discharges such as
produced water and cooling water will be discharged from the offshore facility into
deep water that will result in rapid dispersion and dilution.
There are also established management controls that will minimise the risk ofsignificant impacts. These include the Western Australian Guidelines on minimising
acoustic disturbance to marine fauna, guidelines for drilling fluids management,
published by the Department of Industry and Resources, and management of liquid
discharges through compliance with the Petroleum (Submerged Lands)(Management of Environment) Regulations 1999 (Cwlth). Impacts associated withthe offshore activities will be managed through an approved environmental
management plan which examines the environmental risks and management
measures.
Disturbance from sedimentation and potential contamination associated with
offshore dredge spoil disposal will be examined through the formal assessment ofdredge spoil disposal options in consultation with regulatory authorities and otherstakeholders. The final dredge spoil disposal ground will be located away fromsensitive environmental receptors.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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In the unlikely event of an accidental hydrocarbon or chemical spill, an approved oil
spill contingency plan will be in place to ensure the impacts are short-term andlocalised.

5.2

LIKELY IMPACTS FOR NUCLEAR ACTIONS, ACTIONS AFFECTING
COMMONWEALTH LAND OR ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE
COMMONWEALTH
Not applicable; the Project is not a nuclear action.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
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MEASURES TO AVOID OR REDUCE IMPACTS
As part of INPEX’s commitment to undertaking its operations in an environmentally
responsible manner, management measures for the avoidance and minimisation of
impacts will be identified and incorporated into an environmental management
program. This program is outlined below.

6.1

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
A suite of environmental management plans (EMPs) will be developed for the
Project for key environmental aspects that have the potential to impact on theenvironment from construction through to operation. The EMPs will outline thepotential impacts, describe INPEX’s objectives, targets and key management
measures, and detail indicators for monitoring, reporting and auditing requirements.

6.1.1

Onshore environment plans
A conceptual list of the EMPs that could be required for the Project at the Blaydin
Point site is presented in Table 6-1 below.
Table 6-1: List of EMPs that may be required for the Project
Title
Air Emissions Management Plan
Noise and Vibration Management Plan
Visual Impact Management Plan
Liquid Discharge and Drainage Management Plan
Waste Management Plan
Dust Management Plan
Fire Management Plan
Clearing and Rehabilitation Management Plan
Acid Sulfate Soils Management Plan
Dredging Management Plan
Onshore Spill Management Plan
Greenhouse Gas Management Plan
Quarantine Management PlanINPEX will develop provisional EMPs to serve as a guide for the development of
more detailed construction EMPs (CEMPs) and eventual operational EMPs
(OEMPs). Contracts tendered for the design, construction and commissioning of the
Project will specifically detail the requirements for contractors with respect to EMP
implementation.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
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Contractors appointed to undertake construction activities will prepare CEMPs
relevant to their activities. Prior to commencement, INPEX will review and approve
CEMPs to ensure that they are consistent with the provisional EMPs and meet all
the commitments made under the environmental approvals process for the Project,
and any other legislative requirements and “ministerial conditions”.

6.1.2

Offshore environment plans
In addition to the EMPs, environment plans (EPs) will be produced for offshore
activities in Commonwealth waters as required by the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) (Management of Environment) Regulations 1999 (Cwlth). Activities that will
have EPs include the following:•

drilling•

installation of the offshore facilities (including the CPF, FPSO and flowlines)•

installation of the pipeline (for both Northern Territory and Commonwealthwaters)•operation of the offshore facilities.

Final requirements for the activities to be covered in the EPs will be determinedthrough consultation with the Designated Authority. The Designated Authority for
Commonwealth waters offshore Western Australia is the DoIR; The DesignatedAuthority for Commonwealth waters offshore the Northern Territory is the territory’s
Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines.
In addition, one oil-spill contingency plan will be prepared to address offshore andinshore risks and will be approved by the appropriate authorities. INPEX currently
has an approved plan for the drilling operations being conducted at the Ichthys Field
and nearshore in the Kimberley. This plan will be updated to reflect changes in the
Project’s scope and will also cover activities in the nearshore environment andDarwin Harbour.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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MONITORING ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCEAn environmental monitoring program will be developed for the Project, which will
aim to:•identify environmental change, in particular changes that occur as a result of
Project development activities•

validate modelling results (actual versus predicted results)•

contribute to reviews of environmental management procedures•

provide data for assessing adherence to EMPs and EPs and compliance withregulatory requirements.

Indicators to be monitored will be determined according to the extent and nature ofpotential environmental impacts identified during the environmental assessment
process, and in consultation with the Northern Territory Government and otherstakeholders.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

INPEX BROWSE, LTD.

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CONCLUSION ON THE LIKELIHOOD OF SIGNIFICANT
IMPACTS
Do you THINK your proposed action is likely to have significant impacts?
9No, complete Section 7.1
Yes, complete Section 7.2

7.1

PROPOSED ACTION IS NOT LIKELY TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS

7.1.1

Key reasons
The Project is not likely to have a significant impact on “matters of national
environmental significance” as identified in Section 4.2, namely listed threatened
species, listed migratory species and the Commonwealth marine environment.
Environmental impacts associated with the Project will be localised and transitory.
There are no significant impacts predicted to occur to the marine habitats orcommunities present in the Project area or to any critical resources for threatened
and migratory species. The onshore development area on the Middle Arm
Peninsula will occur within an area zoned for industrial development and is alreadysubject to developments such as the ConocoPhillips LNG Plant at Wickham Point.
Current industry within Darwin Harbour has associated commercial shipping
activities and a number of previous dredging programs have been undertaken.
INPEX has assessed that the impacts associated with the project are
non-significant based on the criteria as provided in the EPBC Act Policy
Statement 1.1 Significant impact guidelines: Matters of national environmental
significance. Impacts from the Project will not:•lead to a long-term decrease in sizes of populations of threatened species•

reduce the area of occupancy of threatened species•

fragment existing populations of threatened species into two or more
populations•

adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of threatened or migratory
species•

disrupt the breeding cycles of threatened species•

modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability of quality habitatto the extent that threatened or migratory species are likely to decline•

modify, destroy, fragment, isolate or disturb an important or substantial areaof habitat such that an adverse impact on marine ecosystem functioning or
integrity in a Commonwealth marine area results•

result in harmful invasive species becoming established in the habitats ofthreatened or migratory species, or in the Commonwealth marine area

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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introduce disease that may cause threatened species to decline•interfere with the recovery of threatened species•

seriously disrupt the life cycle (breeding, feeding, migration or nesting
behaviour) of an ecologically significant proportion of a population of any
migratory species•

result in a known or potential pest becoming established in the
Commonwealth marine area•

have a substantial adverse effect on a population of a marine species or
cetacean including its life cycle (e.g. breeding, feeding, migration behaviour
and life expectancy) and spatial distribution•

result in a substantial change in air or water quality (including temperature)
which may adversely impact on biodiversity, ecological integrity, social
amenity or human health•result in persistent organic chemicals, heavy metals, or other potentiallyharmful chemicals accumulating in the Commonwealth marine environment
such that biodiversity, ecological integrity, social amenity or human health
may be adversely affected•have a substantial adverse impact on heritage values of the Commonwealthmarine area, including damage or destruction of a historic shipwreck.

PROPOSED ACTION IS LIKELY TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS
Matters likely to be impacted
sections 12 and 15A (World Heritage)
sections 15B and 15C (National Heritage places)
sections 16 and 17B (Wetlands of international importance)
sections 18 and 18A (Listed threatened species and communities)
sections 20 and 20A (Listed migratory species)
sections 21 and 22A (Protection of the environment from nuclear actions)sections 23 and 24A (Marine environment)
sections 26 and 27A (Protection of the environment from actions involving Commonwealthland)section 28 (Protection of the environment from Commonwealth actions)

Key reasons
Not applicable.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

INPEX BROWSE, LTD.

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ASSESSMENT APPROACH UNDER THE EPBC ACTLevel of assessmentx

Bilateral Agreement applies
Accredited assessment
Assessment on referral information
Preliminary informationx

Public Environment Report
Environmental impact statement
Commission of Inquiry
No comment/Not sureKey reasons
It is recognised that development of a project of this scale within Darwin Harbour
will attract high levels of public interest and careful management will be required toensure the protection of environmental and social values. Environmental impacts
associated with the Project can be compared to those for similar LNG projects suchas the Pluto LNG Development on the Burrup Peninsula which was assessed by
the Minister for the Environment at the public environmental report (PER) level inearly 2007. INPEX believes that assessment at the PER level will provide for asuitable level of public involvement and formal assessment of the environmental
impacts and management measures.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY OF THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY
Does the party taking the action have a satisfactory record of responsible
environmental management. If yes, provide details.
INPEX has been operating in the Ichthys Field and the Maret Islands areas since
2000. In this time eight appraisal wells have been drilled and two years ofboat-based field studies have been undertaken without any reportableenvironmental incidents. INPEX has also been acknowledged by the AustralianPetroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) which awarded its 2008
Environmental Award (exploration company category) to INPEX for its approach to
low environmental impact geotechnical drilling activities on the Maret Islands.
INPEX Browse, Ltd. (INPEX) is a wholly-owned subsidiary company of INPEXCORPORATION. INPEX CORPORATION has been involved in the development ofoil and gas resources for more than four decades and has been steadily increasing
its exploration and development activities in many countries around the world.
INPEX CORPORATION is currently involved in a number of projects in Australianwaters and in the Timor Sea Joint Petroleum Development Area (JPDA). These
include the Griffin oil and gas project north of Exmouth and the Bayu-Undan oil andgas project in the JPDA.
During this extensive exploration and production history, INPEX has operated underwell-developed management systems and has not experienced any major
environmental incidents.
INPEX reports on its global environmental performance annually through its
corporate sustainability report. This report is available through the INPEX corporate
web site: <http://www.inpex.com.au>.
Is the party taking the action subject to any proceedings under a
Commonwealth, State or Territory law for the protection of the environment or
the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources? If yes, provide
details.
NO.
For an action for which a person has applied for a permit under the EPBC Act,is the person making the application subject to any proceedings under a
Commonwealth, State or Territory law for the protection of the environment or
the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources?
If yes, provide details.
NO.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

INPEX BROWSE, LTD.

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If the party taking the action is a corporation, will the action be taken inaccordance with the corporation’s environmental policy and planning
framework? If Yes, provide details of environmental policy and planning
framework.
YES.
INPEX’s Environmental Policy is provided on the following page (Figure 9-1 below).
INPEX is committed to delivering energy in a safe and environmentally responsible
manner. To assist in meeting this commitment, a Health, Safety and Environmental(HSE) Management Process has been developed. The process is based on acontinuous improvement model, as defined within internationally recognised
standards AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004, Environmental management systems—
Requirements with guidance for use and AS/NZS 4801:2001, Occupational healthand safety management systems—Specification with guidance for use. The
Process provides INPEX with a tool for managing the impacts of its activities on theenvironment, as well as providing a structured approach to planning andimplementing environment protection measures.
Ownership of the HSE Management Process resides with INPEX’s line managers
who will ensure that adequate resources are provided to guarantee the successful
implementation and sustainability of the Process.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

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Figure 9-1: INPEX Environmental Policy

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

INPEX BROWSE, LTD.

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INFORMATION SOURCES AND ATTACHMENTS

10.1

REFERENCES

5 May 2008
63 of 66

Centre for Whale Research, 2007. INPEX environmental impact assessment
studies. Technical appendix: Cetaceans and other marine megafauna.
Unpublished report prepared for INPEX Browse, Ltd., Perth, Western Australia.
DPI—see Department of Planning and Infrastructure.
Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts. 2007. Declared
Weeds. Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, Darwin.
Viewed 20 March 2008, <http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/natres/weeds/ntweeds/
declared.html#b>.
Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts. 2008a. Threatened
Species List. Viewed 17 April 2008, <http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/wildlife/animals/
threatened/specieslist.html>.
Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts. 2008b. NT Heritage
Register. Viewed 17 April 2008, <http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/heritage/ntregister/>.
Department of Planning and Infrastructure. 2008. Northern Territory Planning
Scheme: Darwin & Surrounds. Department of Planning and Infrastructure,
Darwin, Northern Territory.
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. 2008. Protected
matters search tool. Viewed 5 May 2008, <http://www.environment.gov.au/
erin/ert/epbc/index.html>.
DEWHA—see Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
Fogarty, P.J., Lynch, B., and Wood, B. 1984. The land resources of the Elizabeth,
Darwin and Blackmore Rivers. Technical Report No. 15. Conservation
Commission of the Northern Territory, Darwin.
GHD. 2007. Report for Blaydin Point Flora and fauna survey; preliminary report dry
season survey 2007. Report prepared for INPEX Browse, Ltd., Perth, Western
Australia.
Isbell, R.F. 1996. The Australian Soil Classification. CSIRO Publishing, Canberra.
LDM—see LeProvost Dames & Moore.
LeProvost Dames & Moore. 1997. Bayu-Undan to Darwin gas pipeline: Draft
environmental impact statement. Appendix D in Darwin LNG plant draftenvironmental impact statement. Report prepared for Phillips Oil Company
Australia by Dames & Moore, Perth, Western Australia.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

INPEX BROWSE, LTD.

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NRETA—see Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts.
Padovan, A.V. 2003. Darwin Harbour water and sediment quality. pp. 5–18 inProceedings: Darwin Harbour region—current knowledge and future needs.
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, Darwin.
Russell, B. C. and Hewitt C.L. 2000. Baseline survey of the Port of Darwin for
introduced marine species. Report to the Northern teritory Department ofTransport and Works, Darwin.
URS—see URS Australia Pty Ltd.
URS Australia Pty Ltd. 2002. Darwin 10 MTPA LNG Facility: Public Environmental
Report. Prepared for Phillips Petroleum Company Australia Pty Ltd, Darwin.
URS Australia Pty Ltd. 2004. Darwin City Waterfront Redevelopment Project: Draft
Environmental Impact Assessment. Prepared for Department of Infrastructure,
Planning and Environment, Darwin.
URS Australia Pty Ltd. 2006. Downstream plant location study. Unpublishedconfidential report (Report No. 42906149/R1200) to INPEX Masela Limited,
Jakarta, Indonesia.
Whiting, S. 2001. Preliminary observations of dugongs and sea turtles around
Channel Island, Darwin Harbour. Report to Power and Water Authority, Darwin.
Water Monitoring Branch. 2005. The health of the aquatic environment in the
Darwin Harbour Region. Report No. 5/2005D. Natural Resources Management
Division, Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, Darwin.

10.2

RELIABILITY OF INFORMATION
Information presented in this Referral form relating to “matters of national
environmental significance” within the Project area is derived from a Protected
Matters Report generated using the “Protected Matters search tool” on the EPBC
website. A caveat is applied to this information, indicating that the report is a
general guide only and is based on the most accurate mapping and registeredinformation held by the Commonwealth’s Department of the Environment. Water.
Heritage and the Arts at the time of report production.
The greater part of the remaining information has come from Northern Territory
Government web sites, INPEX surveys, previously developed public documents forenvironmental impact assessment, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. There is
no reason to suspect that any of this information could contain errors that would
materially affect the conclusions drawn with respect to the potential for the
proposed Project to significantly impact upon “matters of national environmental
significance”.

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.

INPEX BROWSE, LTD.

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ATTACHMENTS
You must attach
Figures, maps or aerial photographs showing the
project locality (Section 2)

See APPENDIX A–Figures

figures, maps or aerial photographs showing thelocation of the project in respect to any matters ofnational environmental significance or importantfeatures of the environments (section 4)

See APPENDIX A–Figures

If relevant, attach
copies of any state or local government approvals
and consent conditions (section 3.4)
copies of any completed assessments to meetstate or local government approvals and outcomesof public consultations, if available (section 3.5)
copies of any flora and fauna investigations andsurveys (section 4)
technical reports relevant to the assessment of
impacts on protected matters and that support thearguments and conclusions in the referral (section
4 and 5)report(s) on any public consultations undertaken,
including with Indigenous Stakeholders (section
4).

The information contained in this document is confidential and for the use of INPEX Browse, Ltd. and those with whom it contracts directly and mustnot be communicated to other persons without the prior written consent of INPEX Browse, Ltd. Any unauthorised use of such information may
expose the user and the provider of that information to legal action.