Experts dismiss fears of significant environmental damage from oil slick off Australian coast

Australian environment minister Peter Garrett has dismissed fears that an oil spill off the WA coast would affect deliberations over the giant Gorgon gas project.

The project on Barrow Island is awaiting Garret's approval, which is expected by 8 September.

Though experts have said the spill would not have any significant environmental impact, the Greens have called for a full judicial inquiry into the oil spill off the West Atlas mobile offshore drilling unit in the Timor Sea, 250 kilometres north of Truscott, in the Kimberley.

They have also raised concerns over environmental damage from Gorgon, but Garrett said the spill would not affect his decision.

According to Garrett, the Gorgon proposal had been extensively assessed over a period of time by both the West Australian and Commonwealth governments. He added that he expected to make a decision later this week based on matters that related to specific environment issues under national environment legislation.

He said the government was working closely with state officials over the spill. He warned of close monitoring of implementation of contingency plans.