Meet our world-class expert panel on fraccing

KRED recently arranged for an independent expert panel on fraccing to talk to our members at two meetings, one in Derby and one in Yakanarra. The Panel was assembled to cover all the potential environmental concerns that Traditional Owners have raised in relation to fraccing and include world reknowned experts in their respective fields. The scientists on the panel weren't arguing 'for' or 'against' fraccing. Instead, they presented on the real, perceived and potential impacts of fraccing in oil and gas exploration, to ensure that Traditional Owners have access to the best information possible and are in the strongest position to make decisions.

In the picture above, from left to right, we have: Manny Haghigi, a professor of well-engineering with specialist knowledge about well-integrity and design; Paul Howe, an expert in hydrogeological modelling, meaning he can read models to understand and predict potential environmental impacts of fraccing; (Ceri Morgan, not one of our panelists, but an environmental consultant); Daniel Tormey, a renowned hydrogeologist in the USA with expertise in geochemistry and fraccing; and Jenny Stauber, an expert in ecotoxicology and contaminants regarding fraccing for oil and gas. The purpose of the meetings was to provide as much information as possible to our members about the use of fraccing and its impacts on our lands, environments and ecosystems so our members can make a fully prior and informed decision about fraccing on country. There was an informative discussion about the issue at each of the meetings and Traditional Owners left the meeting with a better understanding of a complicated and sometimes contentious issue.

Presently, there are no plans to fracc on any of our members' country but some of our members have entered into agreements with oil and gas companies who are currently exploring over our country. These agreements provide rules where all exploration activities must first be cleared by our members before they can proceed.  We call this our 'no means no' rule. This ensures our country is cared for. The agreements negotiated by KRED Legal are among the strongest in Australia and our lawyers are continuing to raise the bar when it comes to agreement making. If you are a member of the Ambooriny Burru Foundation and you missed the meetings, but would like to find out what the experts said, please give the office a call to arrange a time to chat with one of our lawyers on 91 92 8782.   

Positions vacant with Karajarri Traditional Lands Association

There are currently positions to work with the Karajarri Traditional Lands Association (KTLA) available for:

Chief Executive Officer

Executive Assistant to the CEO

These are 12 month contracts and the successful applicants will represent the interests of and support the Executive Directors of KTLA. This is in relation to the management and use of organisation resources to deliver professional services and achieve the KTLA’s planned strategic and operational outcomes. The positions have a salary range negotiated on experience, with 9.5% superannuation & additional salary allowances including district allowance, annual airfare where applicable, air-conditioning subsidy, rental assistance where applicable, salary sacrificing options and 5 weeks annual leave. Indigenous applicants encouraged to apply.

Applications close: 4:00pm, Friday, 18 September 2015

For a full job description contact Divina D’Anna on (08) 91 92 8782 or divina@kred.org.au.

Aboriginal leader supports marriage equality

Over the last few weeks there's been the familiar clamour of hope and agitation as the issue of gay marriage once again makes headlines. 

KRED Enterprise's CEO Wayne Bergmann has entered the debate, not speaking for all Aboriginal people, but rather calling all Aboriginal people to speak up for what is right. 

He says, "I am proud to support marriage equality. Our culture treats people with respect. We look after each other as family. We have had support for Indigenous rights from gay and lesbian people in the past and now it's time to offer our support. People don't choose to be gay or straight. But we can choose to act with dignity and speak up for what is right."

The comments were prompted after a delegation of indigenous leaders presented a bark petition to the Abbott government to voice their opposition to same-sex marriage. The leaders were backed by various evangelical Christian groups. 

Bergmann believes the elders who signed the bark petition were 'out of touch with reality' and being 'led like sheep with the wool pulled over their eyes.'

He urges that people remember our recent history. In 1957, an Aboriginal woman from the Northern Territory was denied permission to marry her white fiancé. Gay and lesbian Australians are denied the same freedom to marry the partner of their choice today. 

"This is an issue of equality above the law," Mr Bergmann says. 

If you have a subscription to The Australian, you can read more of the story at: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/same-sex-wayne-bergmann-says-aboriginals-should-back-marriage-equality/story-fn59niix-1227489586155

NOTICE OF MEETINGS OF EXPERT PANEL ON FRACCING

Meeting 1

When:   19th August 2015, 10am-3pm

Where:   Derby (TBC)

Meeting 2

When:   20th August 2015, 9am- 3pm

Where:   Yakanarra (Bush Meeting)

Who:   All members of the Native Title groups who are members of the Ambooriny Burru Foundation which includes

• Nykina Mangala
• Ngurrara
• Karajarri
• Bardi Jawi
• Yi- Martuwarra Ngurrara
• Tjurabalan
• Jaru
• Koongie Elvire

What:   The purpose of these meetings is to give Traditional Owners information on the potential impacts of fraccing activities in the Canning Superbasin. The meeting will be facilitated by KRED Enterprises Pty Limited and will include presentations from an expert panel consisting of

• Daniel Tormey
• Jenny Stauber
• Paul Howe
• Manny Haghighi

Note that here are no current proposals to fracc on any Ambooriny Burru's members' country.

Please note that this is the same meeting at both venues. Please contact Kaupa Pitt or Joanine Howard on 9192 8782 if you require fuel assistance. Lunch will be provided on meeting days. Any legal questions should be directed to Rob Houston or Megan Highfold on (08) 9192 8782.

Employment Opportunity

Implementation Officer

Ungani  Project Co- existence

There is currently a 12 month position available for an Implementation Officer in Broome or Derby, to work with KRED Enterprises, Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation and the Karajarri Yanja Native Title Claim Group. 

The successful applicant will represent the interests of Native Title Groups in relation to the implementation of the Ungani Project Co-Existence Agreement. 

The position has a salary range negotiated on experience, with 9.5% superannuation & additional salary allowances including district allowance, annual airfare where applicable, air-conditioning subsidy, rental assistance where applicable, salary sacrificing options and 5 weeks annual leave. Indigenous applicants encouraged to apply.

For a full job description contact Divina D’Anna on (08) 91 92 8782 or 

divina@kred.org.au.

12 month contract