Inpex decision under threat by fed govt

A yet to be made decision by Inpex Ltd to build a $12 billion liquefied natural gas plant in the Kimberley may be under threat by the federal government.

ABC reported that Environment Minister Peter Garrett wants a single, communal hub in the region for the processing of Browse Basin gas.

The Kimberley Land Council has already released a shortlist of four potential sites for an LNG hub with the government's Northern Development Tasforce to release its shortlist soon.

The federal Department of Environment said if Maret Islands, off the coast of WA, is deemed to be of national environmental importance, the commonwealth can override a decision made by the state government.

Inpex is currently weighing up the possibility of constructing the plant either on the Maret Islands or in Darwin Habour.

The ABC reported Premier-elect Colin Barnett as saying he is confident he can convince Inpex to build the LNG plant in WA and will seek an urgent meeting.

Inpex is currently carrying out its second drill program for the project in Darwin Habour.