James Price Point facts for kids
James Price Point is a headland (a piece of land sticking out into the sea) located in the Kimberley area of Western Australia. It's about 52 kilometers (32 miles) north of the town of Broome.
What's in a Name?
How James Price Point Got Its Name
This place is thought to be named after James Price. He was a politician who served as the Minister for Works in Western Australia and passed away in May 1910. It's believed the name might have been given during a trip he took in 1909 to ports in the north-west, including this area.
The Indigenous Name: Walmadany
The local Aboriginal people, the Jabirr Jabirr and Goolarabooloo communities, call this special place Walmadany.
Amazing Dinosaur Footprints
Ancient Footprints and Dreamtime Stories
The Aboriginal people living here have a deep connection to the fossilized footprints found along the coast. They believe these are the footprints of Maralla, the Emu-man, a creator being from their "Dreamtime" stories. This makes Walmadany unique, as it's the only place in the world where Indigenous people have such a strong cultural link to dinosaur footprints.
World's Largest Collection of Dinosaur Prints
In 2016, a study by the University of Queensland confirmed just how important these footprints are. They found that James Price Point has the largest collection of dinosaur footprints in the world! It even has the single largest dinosaur print ever discovered. Scientists have identified signs of 21 different dinosaur species from the Cretaceous period, which was a very long time ago.
The Proposed Gas Project
What Was the Browse LNG Project?
James Price Point was once considered as a site for a very large gas project called the Browse LNG project. This project was proposed by a group of big energy companies, including Woodside Energy, Shell, BP, BHP Billiton, and Chevron.
Why Was the Project Controversial?
Many people strongly opposed the gas project at James Price Point. The local Goolarabooloo people and the community of Broome were very much against it. They were supported by many environmental groups like Environs Kimberley, The Wilderness Society, and WWF, as well as local organizations. Even famous musicians like John Butler and Missy Higgins spoke out to protect the Kimberley coast.
How the Project Was Stopped
On August 19, 2013, the Supreme Court of Western Australia made an important decision. They overturned the earlier approval for the Browse LNG project at James Price Point. This happened after a legal challenge was brought by Richard Hunter, a Goolarabooloo custodian, and The Wilderness Society. Because of this, the project was eventually cancelled.
