The publication contains an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the Western Australian oil and gas industries' performance during 2002.

Petroleum Division Director Bill Tinapple said the publication highlights recent milestones and developments that have increased the importance of the petroleum sector to the State's economy.

"In 2002, the petroleum industry continued to expand with an eight per cent increase in crude oil, which produced a record 96 million barrels, generating sales of $4,457 million. Condensate also experienced a record 14 per cent production increase to 43 million barrels, resulting in sales of $1,929 million," Mr Tinapple said.

"During the same time, the State made significant progress in establishing a gas-to-liquids processing hub on the Pilbara's Burrup Peninsula and signed a $25 billion, 25-year LNG supply deal with China.

"Both developments harness the substantial gas reserves located on our North West Shelf."

The 2003 Western Australian Oil and Gas Industry Review also contains information and statistics on specific operations and examines projects under consideration, as well as an easy-to-use 2003 Western Australian petroleum fact sheet.

"Western Australia's petroleum industry is going through a significant period of expansion and diversification - a fact made clear in this publication," Mr Tinapple said.

"The current and proposed activities under way in the State's petroleum industry are set to confirm Western Australia as the nation's leading producer of oil and natural gas, and an attractive international destination for investors in gas-processing technologies."

The 2003 Western Australian Oil and Gas Industry Review is available for free from the Department of Industry and Resources' first floor Information Centre, 100 Plain Street East Perth.

It can also be downloaded from the DoIR website at: www.doir.wa.gov.au