Woodside in court over James Price Point works

ABC News

Traditional land owners have taken Woodside to the Supreme Court to stop work at the site of the proposed Kimberley Gas Hub.

Woodside maintains it has the necessary approvals to access James Price Point north of Broome, where ground works began last week.

But Goolarabaloo man Richard Hunter launched a case today claiming the approval process was not followed correctly by Woodside or the Shire of Broome.

Mr Hunter's lawyer, Josie Walker, says if this can be proved, the entire approval process could be deemed invalid.

"The development assessment panels went ahead and decided to grant the approval at its very first meeting despite considerable objections," she said.

"We say the process was rushed and they also didn't comply with the notification requirements so it seems like their approval is not valid that they're relying on."

If the court rules in Mr Hunter's favour, Woodside could be ordered to stop work immediately.

Woodside says it does not comment on legal matters.

The company says it is finalising engineering, site investigation and environmental studies for the proposed development as the project approaches a final investment decision which is expected to be made in the first half of 2013.