Just two months ago the traditional landowners held what they called crisis talks with the Japanese major to try to stop exploration drilling on the Maret Islands, in northwestern Australia.

Today the parties arrived on the remote islands to sign an agreement, which will pave the way for negotiations about building an LNG plant there.

Inpex has agreed compensation would be paid if the project proceeds.

Managing director Jiro Okada said the parties had finalised a heritage protection agreement, which involved identifying sites of cultural significance while Inpex continued its environmental studies on the islands.

“Our discussions have not always been easy and the relationship has been tested, but today we celebrate moving towards a new beginning,” he said.

“We are committed to working with both the Uunguu people and the wider Kimberley community to develop and deliver sustainable economic outcomes.”

KLC executive director Wayne Bergmann said the deal would provide major benefits for indigenous communities.

“This is a significant step for Aboriginal people,” he said.

“It enables us to work together in developing the Maret Islands in a way that provides a framework for addressing indigenous disadvantage in the region, while keeping the environmental footprint to a minimum.”

Bergmann said the KLC would now seek to negotiate employment training, business and joint-venture opportunities, land management programs and compensation for traditional owners.

The project, which is of a similar size to Chevron’s proposed Gorgon development, aims to produce 5-6 million tonnes of LNG per year from Inpex’s 100%-owned Icthys field in the Browse Basin.