Martin Pritchard is Executive Director of Environs Kimberley (EK). He and his team were central to the successful campaign to prevent what could have been the largest LNG plant in the world, at James Price Point (Walmadan) just north of Broome. It was a celebrated outcome around the country, but in many ways was just the tip of the iceberg of ‘old industry’ plans for the region.

With 40,000+ fracking wells slated for the area, is the future to be an endless succession of ‘James Price Points’? Or are we headed for a watershed moment that sees a shift to a new, regenerative economy?

Martin sees the possibilities for the latter in numerous nascent industries, burgeoning Aboriginal enterprise, and a different way of looking at life, country and economy that the Kimberley and its inhabitants inspire. This unique region has massive swathes of country that haven’t experienced a single extinction since colonisation. In so many ways, what happens next here really matters.

So what’s the vision for the future? What’s working now? How are the various powerful – at times opposing - interests engaged? And what is needed to develop the next economy for this unique region and beyond?

Music:
Gone Clear, by William Tyler off his album Modern Country.

Due to licencing restrictions, our guest’s nominated music can only be played on radio or similarly licenced broadcasts of this episode.

Find more:
Environs Kimberley.

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#022 After James Price Point: History Repeating or Watershed, with EK Director Martin Pritchard