Arc’s exploration in this historically significant area is part of an extensive Canning Basin exploration program that is due to start next month when Century Rig 18 is mobilised from the Perth Basin. The program is currently scheduled to run for three years and to include up to 20 exploration wells.

As part of that program Arc has entered into agreements that ensure any activity by Arc is carried out in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, according to executive director operation Gary Jeffery.

“Arc Energy is extremely pleased to have entered into this cooperative and mutually beneficial agreement with the Noonkanbah people,” he said.

“We are sure our longer term relationship through this agreement will be as open, frank and friendly as the discussions to date, and we look forward to working with the Yungngora people and other traditional owners towards increased economic activity and prosperity in the region.”

This agreement allows for recording and protection of the Yungngora people’s heritage under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA) and relevant Commonwealth Heritage Legislation. It also provides for community benefits, infrastructure support and the establishment of a liaison committee to discuss future activities of Arc Energy within the Native Title Determination Area.

This agreement follows the announcement on April 27 of the final determination of native title over the Noonkanbah pastoral lease, marking the end of a 27 year struggle for the recognition of the Yungngora people’s rights to hold native title rights and interests over the entirety of the Noonkanbah pastoral lease, together with a small area of unallocated crown land.

Noonkanbah is best known for the dispute that began in the late 1970s, when oil company Amax signaled its intention to drill at or in the vicinity of the “goanna dreaming” site of Pea Hill, Noonkanbah. The Yungngora people of Noonkanbah – along with the then-newly formed Kimberley Land Council – launched a series of protests against the proposed drilling, despite government pressure for it to proceed.

The protests were supported by church groups and the unions, and received international attention.

Permission to drill Fitzroy River No 1 was first given by the Under Secretary for Mines, Western Australia, on June 13, 1979.

But resistance at Noonkanbah Station and legal delays prevented drilling that year. The state government took over the organisation of transport for the rig, and on August 29, 1980 also assumed the role of operator. The Government then transferred the Operator's interest back to Amax three weeks later, and the well drilling operations were completed on November 23, 1980. No hydrocarbons were found.

The leader of the Yungngora People at the time of the confrontation, Dickey Cox, officiated at the signing ceremony with Arc Energy, which he said was an historic occasion for his people.

“Arc Energy has shown it is prepared to sit down and work with our people to reach an agreement that offers benefits to our people, allowing recognition of our important sites,” Cox said.

“The company has shown the way in how agreements with indigenous people should be done, and has entered into a relationship with enduring and long-term benefits for our people – and for us to be part of its project.”

The first planned activity on Noonkanbah, following a heritage clearance survey, is to carry out new seismic acquisition which may eventually lead to the drilling of a new exploration well.