Campbell to take time on Burrup Peninsula decision

Federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell says it could be six months before he makes a decision about heritage listing for the Burrup Peninsula in the north-west Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The peninsula is home to ancient Aboriginal rock art but also the site of several industrial plants and a proposed new natural gas processing plant.

Senator Campbell says it could be next year before he makes a decision on heritage listing because he wants all of the stakeholders involved.

He says he does not want his decision to lead to a halt in gas production for environmental reasons.

"People who say 'stop it or slow it down', are actually contributing to the problem of climate change," he said.

"You've got to get it all right, it's going to be complicated to get it right and taking an extra 90 days or an extra 120 days or an extra six months to get it right, is incredibly important."