Western Australia’s (WA) petroleum sector remains a key contributor to the state’s economic growth as eight onshore blocks have been released for petroleum exploration.
“WA’s petroleum sector remains an important contributor to our State’s ongoing economic success, with more than 12,600 workers employed in oil and gas,” said Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston
“Energy Policy WA modelling found gas will continue to play an important role, with 3.9 gigawatts of new gas generation required to support the uptake of renewable energy by 2030.”
Johnston said the Cook Government was committed to ensuring best-practice regulatory frameworks are in place for petroleum exploration.
“At no point will we compromise on environmental standards,” he said.
“The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety and other Government agencies rigorously assess all WA petroleum activities and undertake regular environmental and safety compliance audits.”
The blocks are located across the Canning, Northern Carnarvon, Amadeus, and Perth Basins, and vary in size from 400 to 7,070 square kilometres.
The release provides explorers with new opportunities to invest in WA’s petroleum sector and offers long-term support in developing the State’s oil and gas resources.
According to Australian Energy Producers WA director Caroline Cherry, “exploration for new gas supply is the first step to keeping WA’s energy supplies reliable and affordable.”
“New gas supply is critical to the state’s future with demand set to tighten in coming years as gas powers WA’s resources and growing critical minerals secto and supports renewables in the South West electricity system as coal-fired power exits,” she said.
“Exploration also unlocks community investment and new jobs in regional areas.
“This release demonstrates the state’s understanding of the importance of new gas to WA’s net zero future.”
Successful applicants may be granted an exploration permit that allows them to conduct exploration activities, within the specified title for a period of six years.
All applications are subject to further approvals by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety before any exploration activity can take place.
The Department conducted a comprehensive assessment of environmental constraints, multiple land use planning, and native title considerations before releasing the blocks.
Hydraulic fracturing will not be authorised within any of the exploration permits.
This will be the only petroleum acreage release for 2023, with the application period closing at 4pm on 19 January 2024.
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