The West Australian quoted Nolan as saying at the Economic Development of the Kimberley business luncheon yesterday that the Government was consulting widely about the project and working groups would be brought together by the end of July for a workshop to go through the identified sites.

WA Minister for State Development Eric Ripper and Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett said earlier this month that the Northern Development Taskforce had identified nine potential sites for the LNG hub.

Nolan said she expected to cut the number of sites down by late August and would receive advice from the area's traditional owners by the end of September.

"I believe it is important that we do have a resources development process that can operate within a very clear framework that recognises the importance of social, economic, environmental, indigenous, regional and socio-cultural factors," she said.

The WA Government's plan has drawn flak from the Conservation Council of WA, Environs Kimberley and the Wilderness Society, which accused the State Government of bowing to industry pressure and moving too fast.

However, Nolan said the Government was committed to ensuring the facility reached high environmental care standards, adding that the intention was to minimise environmental impact by avoiding ad hoc development.