The Texas oil man planning to frack the Kimberley
Apr 6, 2026 •
Under one of the most remarkable landscapes in Australia is one of the world’s largest undeveloped reservoirs of onshore gas – and a Texas oil man wants to get it out.
Project Valhalla would drill an initial 20 fracking wells across an area twice the size of Victoria in the Kimberley. And after the WA EPA recommended it for approval, the proposal is now one step closer to going ahead.
The Kimberley is also the largest and most intact tropical savanna in the world – a place of living songlines, deep cultural significance and extraordinary biodiversity, where campaigners say no local species has ever been recorded as extinct. And communities are divided. More than a record 8000 appeals have been lodged with the state government in an effort to stop the project.
Today, journalist Katherine Wilson on the fight over fracking in the Kimberly – and how Project Valhalla made it this far.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
The Texas oil man planning to frack the Kimberley
1871 • Apr 6, 2026
The Texas oil man planning to frack the Kimberley
Under one of the most remarkable landscapes in Australia is one of the world’s largest undeveloped reservoirs of onshore gas – and a Texas oil man wants to get it out.
Project Valhalla would drill an initial 20 fracking wells across an area twice the size of Victoria in the Kimberley. And after the WA EPA recommended it for approval, the proposal is now one step closer to going ahead.
The Kimberley is also the largest and most intact tropical savanna in the world – a place of living songlines, deep cultural significance and extraordinary biodiversity, where campaigners say no local species has ever been recorded as extinct. And communities are divided. More than a record 8000 appeals have been lodged with the state government in an effort to stop the project.
Today, journalist Katherine Wilson on the fight over fracking in the Kimberly – and how Project Valhalla made it this far.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Journalist Katherine Wilson
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