Oil and gas are produced for both the domestic and international markets.
In the 1960s, Western Australia’s first commercial oil and gas supplies came from Barrow Island in the Carnarvon Basin located off the Pilbara coast. Natural gas was also discovered and produced near Dongara in the Perth Basin - one of the most important areas for exploration.
The Canning Basin, in the State’s north, has been producing oil since the early 1980s. The region is highly prospective for oil and gas – prompting a significant increase in petroleum exploration during the last 10 years. Despite the high cost of operating in remote locations, exploration companies have identified significant potential for oil production and commercial shale and tight gas operations.
Regulating oil and gas
The department manages the release of land for oil and gas (petroleum) exploration through permits.
Producing oil and gas
When a Western Australian exploration company in Western Australia discovers, oil or gas (petroleum), they must let know.
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