A survey carried out by GL Noble Denton at the Australasian Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition in Perth yesterday found 68% of industry professionals believed Australia should invest more in developing a local skills base.

Only 32% of participants thought the country was doing enough to increase its pool of local professionals.

"The Australian oil and gas industry continues to grow at pace, as does concern over where the skilled professionals required to meet the demands of new projects will come from," GL Noble Dento Australia country manager Richard Palmer said.

"It is clear that we need to work together more cohesively to help educate emerging young talent on the benefits of joining a thriving local industry."

A recent GL Noble Denton commissioned report on the outlook for the oil and gas industry found there would be a shortage of about 150,000 people in Western Australia alone by 2015.

GL Noble Denton is carrying industry snapshot polls at the AOG exhibition this week.

To participate in the survey, visit GL Noble Denton at stand K32.

Participants will also be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad2.