Media release: Pioneering marine turtle conservation project takes out top prize at energy industry awards

A decade-long environmental initiative led by Queensland’s LNG operators has taken out the top honour at the 2025 Australian Energy Producers Excellence Awards, held last night as part of the annual Conference and Exhibition in Brisbane.

The joint initiative from 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.

The project, which exceeded regulatory requirements and achieved transformative outcomes, was recognised for setting a new benchmark in industry-led environmental stewardship.

It significantly advanced scientific understanding of marine turtle ecology and showcased exceptional collaboration between energy producers and environmental scientists.

Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the Chair’s Award recognises the best of the best, and the awards judges agreed this year’s winner exemplified long-term leadership, collaboration and innovation.

“This initiative not only protected vulnerable marine species but built lasting scientific partnerships that will benefit environmental research for years to come,” Ms McCulloch said.

“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,” Ms McCulloch said.

The annual awards celebrate outstanding achievements in environmental management, workplace safety, community engagement and workforce development. Winners in each category demonstrated excellence and innovation that is shaping the future of Australia’s energy industry.

Award Winners 

Environment Project Excellence Award

ConocoPhillips Australia (on behalf of ConocoPhillips APLNG, Shell QGC, and Santos GLNG): Gladstone Long Term Turtle Management Plan

Awarded for its ground-breaking, collaborative approach to environmental research that set a new industry standard and significantly enhanced understanding of marine turtle ecology.

Safety Project Excellence Award

Amplitude Energy: BMG Decommissioning Campaign – Delivering Safety Excellence

Recognised for achieving zero significant safety incidents across 360,000+ work hours on a complex offshore decommissioning project through strong safety culture and team engagement.

Community Development Excellence Award

Woodside Energy: Roebourne Pathways Program

Awarded for its innovative, community-led early childhood development program in Roebourne, which increased Aboriginal employment and parental engagement in a culturally sensitive framework.

Workforce Development Excellence Award

Santos: Real Thrives Here Program

Recognised for transforming the employee experience through a company-wide initiative designed to energise its workforce in tackling the challenges of the energy transition.