Department of Mines and Petroleum presented the two separate events as a direct response to community calls for more information about the development of the new industry that is still in the exploration phase.

Petroleum division executive director Jeff Haworth said attendance at both events was better than anticipated and proved very beneficial to the local participants as well as the department.

"We had about 60 people attend the Broome event and about 40 in Derby, and the majority of the community attendees were supportive of the development of shale and gas industry in WA," he said.

"However, like with any developing industry the community wants to be assured that appropriate processes are in place to regulate the industry and protect people and the environment," he said.

"A number of people were surprised to learn that exploration and development of this industry is driven by commercial decisions by petroleum companies and not by DMP, which is the watch dog to ensure it is developed in a responsible and sustainable way."

The Department of Water joined the DMP at the information sessions.

Haworth said the main questions from both events were about the design and long-term integrity of wells, land access, use of chemicals and protection of aquifers, as well as accountability and transparency of the approvals processes.

"Many people were also not aware that DMP seeks independent advice from other government agencies during the approvals processes in regard to proposed activities," he said.

"Generally, the information was well received and the communities appreciated government's efforts to come up and listen to the concerns raised."

Buru is planning a fraccing program of its Yulleroo, Valhalla North and Asgard wells later this year, which should start to give the first true indications of northern Western Australia's unconventional wet gas resources.