"We've had Buru Energy operate in the area and vary their program to show respect for us, go around ant beds because this area was part of a complex of places where our people traditionally lived.Environment Minster, Stephen Dawson, said he had asked the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation to investigate the matter urgently.
The ABC has not been able to confirm whether Shanghai Zenith had obtained a permit for the land clearing. The Chairman of the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association, David Stoate, could not comment specifically about the Yakka Munga case but said that pastoralists had limited powers to carry out work under their leases.
"You're entitled to clear fence lines and the edges of highways and that sort of thing to maintain your pastoral business," Mr Stoate said. "If you want to diversify into some other areas, such as irrigation, that requires a clearing permit from the government department, which can be quite difficult to get."It can take months, probably up to a year, depending on the requirements of the department."