Edwards said that the industry was doing good work in environmental research and management in many areas.

"Part of that effort is workshops such as this where the industry, community and Government representatives can get together and discuss issues and avoid confrontation," Edwards said.

"It is essential that the petroleum industry is engaged as a key partner whose knowledge and technology will be absolutely critical as we move from an oil-based economy, through the gas transition and progressively move towards a truly sustainable future.

"Western Australia, with its vast offshore gas reserves, is in a key strategic position to capitalise on the global shift to a gas-based economy.

"The same level of expertise that the industry has brought to production activities must also be brought to environmental protection. "

The Minister said she was encouraged by the work of the two Companies who won environmental awards under the Golden Gecko scheme this year. Apache Energy set a new industry standard for laying a pipeline through very sensitive area with not one piece of coral broken and Woodside were recognised for their consultation program for Enfield oil project off NW Cape.

"Woodside listened to community concerns and changed design of the project in important ways," Edwards said.

"When facing the future the Barrow Island decision Illustrates the challenges and difficult decisions when moving into the new era of sustainability.

"It was an extraordinarily difficult decision as to whether to put the Gorgon gas project on the island.

"There are potentially catastrophic consequences should rats become established or an introduced disease gain a foothold.

"The challenge now is to put in place the most rigorous environmental management measures and contingency measures it is humanly possible to devise.

"The industry's future is dependent on us all getting it right."