
A decade-long marine conservation initiative led by Queensland’s LNG operators has secured the top honour at the 2025 Australian Energy Producers Excellence Awards, held during the annual Conference and Exhibition in Brisbane.
The collaborative project — spearheaded by ConocoPhillips APLNG, Shell QGC, and Santos GLNG — received the prestigious Chair’s Award for the Gladstone Long Term Turtle Management Plan – Pioneering Marine Turtle Conservation: A Decade of Industry Collaboration and Environmental Excellence.
This landmark initiative was recognised for exceeding regulatory requirements and delivering transformative outcomes, setting a new benchmark in industry-led environmental stewardship.
The project notably advanced scientific understanding of marine turtle ecology and demonstrated exceptional cooperation between energy producers and environmental scientists.
Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch highlighted the significance of the accolade, stating: “This initiative not only protected vulnerable marine species but built lasting scientific partnerships that will benefit environmental research for years to come.”
McCulloch further praised the calibre of this year’s entries, stating: “The winner of this year’s Chair’s Award demonstrated initiative, collaboration and positive outcomes that stood out among such a quality field on finalists.
“On behalf of our industry, I congratulate all the finalists and award recipients recognised tonight, who are showcasing just some of the extraordinary work our industry is doing around Australia.”
The annual awards celebrate outstanding achievements across environmental management, workplace safety, community engagement, and workforce development.
Winners in each category are recognised for excellence and innovation shaping the future of Australia’s energy sector.
Other award recipients included:
- Environment Project Excellence Award: ConocoPhillips Australia (on behalf of ConocoPhillips APLNG, Shell QGC, and Santos GLNG) for the Gladstone Long Term Turtle Management Plan, acknowledged for its ground-breaking, collaborative approach to environmental research and significant advancements in marine turtle ecology.
- Safety Project Excellence Award: Amplitude Energy for the BMG Decommissioning Campaign – Delivering Safety Excellence, recognised for achieving zero significant safety incidents across more than 360,000 work hours on a complex offshore project, underpinned by a strong safety culture and team engagement.
- Community Development Excellence Award: Woodside Energy for the Roebourne Pathways Program, awarded for its innovative, community-led early childhood development program that increased Aboriginal employment and parental engagement within a culturally sensitive framework.
- Workforce Development Excellence Award: Santos for the Real Thrives Here Program, honoured for transforming the employee experience through a company-wide initiative designed to energise its workforce amid the challenges of the energy transition.
The 2025 Australian Energy Producers Excellence Awards continue to spotlight the industry’s commitment to environmental protection, safety, and positive community impact, with this year’s winners exemplifying the leadership and innovation driving Australia’s energy future.