Beckett told an International Business Council gathering in Perth that all approvals needed for the final investment decision (FID) would be in place by the end of the year, according to a report in WA Business News.

But previously, the Gorgon partners had said they expected Western Australian government environmental approvals and the FID in mid 2006.

Beckett now said that there have been delays in receiving environmental approvals and the FID could not be made until the end of this year, according to an AAP report.

Beckett said Gorgon expected the government approvals in the third quarter but the project was still on track for first gas sales in 2010.