Engaging Aboriginal Communities for Mutual Outcomes: The North Queensland Gas Pipeline Project

Fulcher J¹*, Maloney P²* and Budby F³*

1. Minter Ellison Lawyers, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
2. NQGP Alliance
3. Woora Consulting

Enertrade, as part of the North Queensland Gas Pipeline Alliance, developed and owns the North Queensland gas pipeline, which runs from Moranbah to Townsville. The Alliance adopted an approach of developing and fostering relationships with key stakeholders, and in particular indigenous stakeholders. For land access on the project, the Alliance developed 3 Indigenous Land Use Agreements and 1 Cultural Heritage Management Plan with the 9 affected indigenous groups. The negotiations received a Premiers Reconciliation Award for Business Joint Ventures.

This paper explains how the negotiations were done, and includes reflections from traditional owners who were key stakeholders on the project. Minter Ellison Lawyers advised the Alliance on the land access issues and the required agreements for the project.