Western Australia’s domestic energy security is set to improve with new changes to the state’s policy aimed at unlocking fresh gas supply, according to Australian Energy Producers.
The energy industry association welcomed the WA Government’s response to the WA Domestic Gas Policy Inquiry, describing it as a “sensible” move that supports affordable and reliable energy access.
The newly announced framework, driven by the oil and gas industry, aims to improve transparency and ensure that gas producers are meeting their domestic gas obligations, providing a clearer pathway to energy security for the state.
Australian Energy Producers’ WA Director Caroline Cherry said the industry welcomed the decision to open up onshore production for export – as the sector called for – to make more projects viable and underpin domestic supply.
“The Cook Government has listened to the concerns of industry about ensuring reliable and affordable energy for the state and pulled the levers to bring on more new gas supply to serve rising demand for gas in coming years,” she said.
“More gas will be needed to serve rising demand supporting renewables in electricity generation as coal is phased out while underpinning the economic benefits produced by the mining sector as a key power source.
“Exports deliver important economic benefits for WA and also support the domestic energy security the state has enjoyed for decades because of the industry’s commitment to providing energy for this region.
“The Government has again shown it understands the importance of new gas development and how to extract the economic benefits of this cleaner fuel on the journey to net zero.”
Cherry said the government should undertake a review in a few years to determine the adequacy of domestic market supply to continue providing the right investment signals for new gas developments and access to export markets.
“Some of the state’s biggest economic driving projects are being established by the oil and gas industry and our members are committed to working with the government to get the best outcome for West Australians,” she said.
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