Deputy Premier and Minister for Energy, Eric Ripper, rejected Mr Barnett's claim by saying the agreement would protect the conservation value of the area and allow proper public access.

The Government has put together a confidential deal believed to be worth up to $27.5 million for the Wong-Goo-Tt-Oo, Ngaluma Injibandi and Yaburara Mardhudunera claimants - currently contesting ownership in the Federal Court - to join together and sign away native title rights over earmarked areas of the peninsula so it can grant approval for six gas processing plants worth a combined $6 billion.

Part of the deal includes freehold title over almost the entire northern half of the peninsula. However, many local people in the area believe industrial development should be at Maitland near Karratha, as carving off the northern part could close off other replacement recreational sites to the general public.