Kimberley Fracking: EPA Issues Conditional Recommendation for Valhalla Project

Detailed report outlines 12 strict conditions for groundwater protection as the project enters a critical three-week appeal period.

The Western Australia Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has officially recommended that the Valhalla gas exploration and appraisal program in the Kimberley region proceed, subject to 12 stringent conditions. This landmark decision, released on January 20, 2026, concerns the proposal by Bennett Resources—a subsidiary of the Texas-based Black Mountain Energy—to drill and frack up to 20 exploration wells in the Canning Basin, approximately 123 kilometers southeast of Derby. Despite the green light, the project remains one of the most contentious environmental issues in the state's recent history, drawing sharp rebukes from Traditional Owners and conservation groups who fear for the integrity of the National Heritage-listed Martuwarra Fitzroy River.

EPA Chair Darren Walsh defended the decision, emphasizing the limited scope of the current recommendation. "Our assessment has been exhaustive. We are satisfied that, based on the information and expert advice we have considered during this assessment, any associated risks to the environment remain low, and that the conditions we have recommended, along with those imposed under other regulatory processes, would ensure that the environmental factors can be maintained," Mr. Walsh stated. He further clarified that this approval is specifically for exploration, not full-scale production: "The proposal assessed by the independent Authority was limited to exploration and appraisal and was not for the purpose of producing or processing petroleum products such as natural gas. If a commercially viable resource was identified and targeted for extraction, the proponent would be required to seek additional approvals."

The recommendation has been met with immediate and fierce opposition from the Kimberley Land Council (KLC) and regional environmental advocates. KLC CEO Tyronne Garstone was blunt in his assessment: “Fracking has no place in the Kimberley. We are gravely concerned by the EPA's recommendation for the Valhalla gas project. The WA Government must reject it. The 2025 WA Labor State Conference has already voted for Western Australia to be 100 per cent frack free. Giving fracking a green light here would be a reckless gamble with Country, culture, and future generations.” Mr. Garstone also criticized the consultation process, noting, “Consultation must include all surrounding Traditional Owner groups who may be affected by fracking, not just those in the immediate project area. This has not occurred in relation to the Valhalla project. The regulatory and safety framework for fracking in WA remains incomplete and inadequate.”

Environmental groups have echoed these concerns, highlighting the massive water requirements and potential for chemical contamination. Environs Kimberley Director Martin Pritchard stated, “We are shocked by this decision to recommend the most environmentally destructive proposal in the history of the Kimberley. It's outrageous the WA EPA has made this recommendation in the world's most pristine natural landscapes. Fracking would pollute the water that sustains life in the Kimberley and threaten rare and endangered wildlife as well as the National Heritage listed Martuwarra Fitzroy River which is one of Australia's best Barramundi fishing meccas.”

In contrast, industry leaders have hailed the EPA’s report as a victory for energy security. Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) WA Chief Executive Officer Aaron Morey argued that the project is essential for the state’s economic future. “Unlocking new sources of gas is critical to prevent WA falling into significant shortfall by the end of the decade. Continuing to tap into WA's abundant gas reserves is vital to shield families and businesses from steep rises in energy costs,” Mr. Morey said. He cited the 2018 Independent Scientific Panel Inquiry, noting it “concluded that risks were low if controls and processes were followed.”

Black Mountain Energy’s Executive Chairman Rhett Bennett welcomed the outcome as a validation of the project’s safety standards. A company representative stated, "We deliver the facts on hydraulic fracturing with transparency and science, backed by decades of experience and rigorous regulation. This recommendation reinforces that the exploration program can meet the State's robust environmental standards." However, the political stakes remain high. WA Premier Roger Cook was careful to distance this specific recommendation from a broader policy shift, stating that the recommendation applies specifically to Valhalla and "does not signal broad fracking approval in the Kimberley."

Scientific skepticism continues to shadow the project. The recommendation comes just weeks after a report from the federal Independent Expert Scientific Committee (IESC) found that Black Mountain’s assessment was “limited and disjointed.” Shaun Clark, a fracking campaigner with Environs Kimberley, noted, "The knowledge gaps and information failures identified and highlighted by the IESC are profound and cannot be ignored." Conservation Council of WA Executive Director Matt Roberts added, "The EPA decision is reckless and puts one of WA's incredible savannah and river ecosystems at risk. CCWA raised concerns... around the potential contamination of groundwater and impacts to subterranean fauna... none of which the proponent adequately responded to."

Traditional Owners have vowed to continue the fight during the public appeal period, which closes on February 10, 2026. Traditional Owner Madeleine Jadai urged the government to intervene: “Our Country means everything to us and we are totally against anything that would damage and pollute it, like fracking. Premier Cook: please ban fracking on our land so we can have it safe for future generations.” Simone van Hattem of Lock the Gate Alliance concluded, “The EPA acknowledges that the public is hugely concerned about water contamination... but the WA EPA has swept these concerns aside saying fracking can proceed despite huge and material knowledge gaps. Protecting water from fracking is a national environmental issue and we will keep on fighting.”

All rights belong to their respective owners. This article contains references and insights based on publicly available information and sources. We do not claim ownership over any third party content mentioned.