Push to delay James Price report: Greens

The Wilderness Society is calling on the Commonwealth government to further delay the release of a key report on the proposed gas hub at James Price Point.

The Strategic Assessment Report is expected to be released on December 6 - having already been delayed by around one year.

The push comes after Greens Senator Scott Ludlam raised issues with the environmental assessment process in the senate today.

"The State and Federal governments' Kimberley Gas Hub Strategic Assessment Joint Agreement states that the final report ... must include an analysis of technically and economically viable gas processing options outside the Kimberley, focussing on locations that already have substantial industrial infrastructure, inclusive of floating LNG," Senator Ludlam said.

"So far, there is no evidence that such technical and economic studies on other locations have been done," he said.

He also asked whether any other sites had been subject to "meaningful" technical or economic assessments.

Labor frontbencher Stephen Conroy, representing Environment Minister Tony Burke, said that was WA's job.

"It is the responsibility of the Western Australian government to ensure feasible alternatives outside the Kimberley region have been explored," he said.

"I am advised that James Price Point strategic assessment process is still at an early stage."

Wilderness Society state co-ordinator Peter Robertson said it is clear the study has not been done.

"The two consultant's reports that superficially looked at, and dismissed, options outside the Kimberley did not provide a credible analysis of these options.

"The Commonwealth believes the State is responsible for conducting this analysis, but the Barnett government has refused to do it.

"Therefore, the agreement has not been complied with and therefore the report cannot be released for public comment.

"Given that at least three of the Browse LNG joint venture partners don't support the James Price Point option, the Commonwealth will not be offending powerful corporate interests if it enforces compliance with the joint assessment agreement," said Mr Robertson.