Wheatstone offsets to protect marine environment

• More than $13m to protect & research environment around Chevron Australia's Wheatstone LNG project

More than $13million in environmental offsets generated by the Wheatstone liquefied natural gas project will be invested in protecting and researching the Pilbara's marine and coastal environment.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion said State Government conditions imposed on Chevron Australia's $29billion project near Onslow, which has approval to produce up to 25 million tonnes of LNG each year, included conditions to protect and research whales, turtles, dolphins and dugongs as well as seagrass, coral and mangroves.

Mr Marmion said the offset agreements had been finalised and funds would be invested in a range of projects to address the residual environmental impact and risks to marine fauna and flora.

"About $7.9million has been allocated to improve the understanding and management of the impacts of dredging on tropical marine communities," he said.

"This package also includes research into identifying and improving the management of critical habitats for threatened marine species including humpback whales, dugongs and snubfin dolphins in Pilbara waters."

The Minister said a further $5.25million would allow the departments of Fisheries and Environment and Conservation to manage the impact and risks associated with potential increased visitation and additional recreational fishing.

Mr Marmion said the package included investments to manage the potential impact to offshore islands and the Cane River Conservation Park and proposed extensions.

"These projects funded by the offsets package will benefit the community of Western Australia by contributing to a better managed and protected environment and by generating information that will help inform future project approvals," he said.

      Fact File

• The Environmental Protection Authority recommended approval in June 2011, with the Minister for Environment granting final approval in August 2011

• More than 3,000 people are expected to work on the $29billion project

Minister's office - 6552 6800