Published on Wednesday, 7 October 2026 at 4:09:49 PM
The Shire is sharing information about consultation on proposed offshore exploration drilling in the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf so the East Kimberley community is aware of the proposal, the assessment process and opportunities to provide feedback.
Eni Energy Bonaparte is proposing to drill between one and four exploration and appraisal wells at the Petrel Gas Field in the Bonaparte Basin.
The proposed drilling area is in Commonwealth waters, about 184 km from Wyndham and 187 km from Kununurra. The first well is proposed from mid-2028.
The drilling would provide information to support potential future exploration and development of the Petrel Gas Field. Any future development would be subject to separate regulatory assessment and approval processes.
Why consultation is happening now
Offshore petroleum activities in Commonwealth waters are regulated by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA).
Before the proposed drilling can proceed, Eni must prepare an Environment Plan. This must describe the proposed activity and the existing natural, cultural and social environment, assess potential environmental impacts and risks, and set out how these would be managed.
As part of preparing the Environment Plan, Eni must consult people and organisations whose functions, interests or activities may be affected by the proposed activity.
This consultation is taking place before the Environment Plan is submitted to NOPSEMA for assessment.
Why feedback matters
Consultation provides an opportunity for people and organisations who may be affected to provide local knowledge and information about their interests or activities.
This could include information relevant to the marine environment, cultural values and Sea Country, fishing and other marine activities, or other interests and activities that may be affected by the proposal.
Relevant persons can also raise concerns, objections or claims about potential impacts and how they should be managed.
Eni must consider relevant feedback when preparing its Environment Plan and document the consultation undertaken, including how objections or claims have been addressed or why they have not been addressed.
Feedback at this stage does not determine whether the proposed drilling can proceed. It can, however, inform the Environment Plan, including the identification and management of potential environmental impacts and risks.
What happens next
Once the draft Environment Plan is prepared, there is a further opportunity for the wider community to participate.
Environment Plans for exploration drilling must be published for public comment before NOPSEMA begins its formal assessment. Public comments that are relevant, credible and have merit must be addressed in the Environment Plan.
Following public comment, Eni can submit a revised Environment Plan to NOPSEMA for formal assessment.
NOPSEMA will then assess whether the Environment Plan meets the requirements of the Commonwealth offshore petroleum environmental regulations. The proposed drilling cannot begin without an accepted Environment Plan.
How to provide feedback now
Eni's current consultation closes on 12 October 2026.
People and organisations who consider their functions, interests or activities may be affected can:
This consultation is being undertaken by Eni Energy Bonaparte. It is not a Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley consultation.
Back to All News