The Thalanyji People, the Native Title holders of the area in and around Onslow, signed a non-binding agreement with gas company Chevron Australia Pty Ltd on Thursday 22 July in Onslow.

The agreement allows for Chevron to obtain Native Title approvals for its giant Wheatstone LNG Project, and reinforces a long-term relationship between the Thalanyji People and Chevron for the life of the project.

Deputy Chairperson of the Thalanyji People, Rodney Hicks, said today, "This agreement is a significant milestone for our people and recognizes the Thalanyji People as stakeholders in a major resource initiative that is set to deliver huge economic benefits to the local region, the state of Western Australia, and to the nation itself.

"This demonstrates that Native Title has proved to be a positive factor in building Australia's economy, and in recognising that Aboriginal people are continuing to contribute strongly to the prosperity and development of the nation. It demonstrates the fact that Aboriginal people are willing to embrace development, so long as they are given appropriate recognition and a stake in the developments on their lands.

"The agreement itself provides for intergenerational benefits that will be enduring. It cements a long-term relationship with a major oil and gas company which,reflects and embodies the company's commitment to respecting our language and culture, by enabling heritage projects to commence that have been asked for by the Elders for a very long period of time. These projects are exciting, as they will be a living record of the culture and history of our people.

"The agreement provides for education for our young people, ensuring that they are able to participate in the project into the future, and not simply be observers, as has happened so often in the past. We have secured commitments towards capacity-building for business opportunities and meaningful employment for our people and for the region generally.

Rodney Hicks lauded the company for its professional approach in its talks with the community, and in its conduct with heritage surveys and with the recording of the important Thalanyji sites of the area.

"These have been handled with sensitivity and with an appreciation of the significance of the heritage values of the area to the Thalanyji People. This will continue throughout the construction phase of the project, and will underpin the trust between Thalanyji and Chevron" Mr Hicks said.

"The challenge for Chevron will be to ensure that the commitments made by the company are followed through. We look forward to working with Chevron to ensure the outcomes contained in the agreement are fulfilled".