❓ Question regarding the Minister's awareness of Traditional Owner opposition to the Valhalla fracking project in the Kimberley and whether the Minister will reject the EPA approval until consultation resolves this opposition. The Minister declines to comment due to an ongoing appeals process.

Valhalla fracking project—Kimberley68.Hon Amanda Dornto theMinister for the Environment:I refer to the Environmental Protection Authority's recommendation to approve Bennett Resources' Valhalla fracking project in the Kimberley.(1) Is the minister aware that Kimberley traditional owner representative bodies have publicly opposed the project, and what weight will the minister give to this opposition?(2) Will the minister reject this approval to protect Martuwarra and threatened species for future generationsuntil Bennett Resources conducts consultation to resolve this opposition and, if not, why not?

Hon Matthew Swinbourn replied:I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.(1)–(2) The Environmental Protection Authority report and recommendations referred to in the member's question are now subject to appeal before the independent Appeals Convenor. As previously stated, it is inappropriate for me to comment whilst the appeals process is underway or to seek to influence or pre-empt the outcome of the appeal. Valhalla fracking project—Kimberley