Western Australia’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has recommended the Cook Government approve Black Mountain Energy (BME)’s proposal to drill and frack up to 20 gas wells in the West Kimberley as part of its Valhalla project — a major step toward opening the Kimberley to unconventional gas development.
Our online portal is now closed and we're getting ready to submit, however you can still make your appeal directly with the Appeals Convenor by midnight WA time on Tue 10 Feb.
On the 'Type of appeal' dropdown menu on the first page, please select 'Decision of Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)'. Thank you!
Project Overview:
Name: Valhalla Gas project
Location: West Kimberley/Canning Basin, in the catchment of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River, 18 kilometres from the Yungngora (Noonkanbah) community and 123 kilometres from Derby.
Proponent: Bennett Resources Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Black Mountain Energy Limited.
Proposal: Drilling and construction of up to 20 gas exploration wells. This is the thin edge of the wedge and could lead to the fracking of hundreds or possibly thousands of wells across the Kimberley.
This proposal poses unacceptable risks to precious groundwater, threatened species, and the global climate.
We all need to take action to stop this dirty and dangerous project.
What Can You Do?
The Western Australian Office of the Appeals Convenor will accept appeals against the recommendation until 10 February 2026. This is one of the most important opportunities to stop the project.
The Cook Government and Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn will make the final decision on whether this project can go ahead.
If the Appeals Convenor advises the Minister against the EPA’s recommendation, it will give him the grounds he needs to reject this project.
To make your submission:
Read the Submissions Guide below and write your own submission to send directly to the Appeals Convener.
On the 'Type of appeal' dropdown menu on the first page, please select 'Decision of Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)'. Thank you!
Submissions close at midnight WA time on 10 Feb 2026.
