Moore expects Browse outcome

MINES and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore expects consensus will be reached between all partners in the $30 billion Browse LNG project about the best development option despite tension over the government's proposed onshore processing hub at James Price Point.

Speaking outside an LNG conference this week, Mr Moore said it was very clear that the government wanted Browse gas processed at James Price Point, and that he was confident an acceptable outcome could be negotiated.

"I know some of the joint venture partners are quite comfortable with James Price Point, others may be less comfortable. But it's a matter for negotiation and over time I'm sure we will come up with a good outcome," Mr Moore told WA Business News.

"I don't think it's a question of people threatening anything, I think it's a question of the government saying if you want to do business in Western Australia, this is what the government would like you to do, and it will be the subject of negotiations."

Browse operator Woodside fully supports James Price Point, but fellow partners Shell and Chevron are yet to be convinced it is a better option than piping gas to the Pilbara for processing. The premier last month vowed to block any such pipeline option.