"Devastating."
That's how Yawuru/Djukun woman Janet Puertollano described the impact she believes the proposed Valhalla fracking project would have on the Martuwarra Fitzroy River in Western Australia's Kimberley region.
Ms Puertollano was speaking at a protest held on Broome's Entrance Point beach on Thursday, where dozens gathered to oppose the Environmental Protection Authority's report, released earlier this week, recommending the project proceed. The demonstration was organised by Environs Kimberley.
Backed by US-based Black Mountain Energy through its subsidiary Bennett Resources, the project proposes drilling an initial 20 fracking wells within the National Heritage-listed Fitzroy River catchment, east of Broome.
Ms Puertollano warned the project risked rupturing a vital water source in the east Kimberley, with long-term consequences for Aboriginal children in Fitzroy Crossing, where the river is not just water, but a place to swim, learn and be sustained.
Kimberley Land Council chief executive Tyronne Garstone said the proposed site sat too close to protected Country to be considered low-risk.
"The Valhalla project site sits alarmingly close to West Kimberley areas already listed for National Heritage and under consideration for World Heritage status," he said.
"The Kimberley is home to unique cultural heritage, biodiversity and landscapes found nowhere else on earth. Giving fracking a green light here would be a reckless gamble with Country, culture and future generations."
Mr Garstone said fracking was not a viable option for the Kimberley or its people.
Yungngora Native Title holders have previously voiced support for fracking in the region.
Environs Kimberley director Martin Pritchard said the recommendation threatened water, wildlife and the region's tourism industry.
"We are shocked by this decision to recommend the most environmentally destructive proposal in the history of the Kimberley," he said.
WA Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn will now decide whether to accept or reject the EPA's recommendation following an appeals period.
