Looking forward, any changes to domestic gas policy settings must appropriately balance the needs of both gas consumers and producers
Rebecca Tomkinson, CEO Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) has noted that today’s release of the WA Economics and Industry Standing Committee’s Interim Report on the WA Domestic Gas Policy confirmed the important role that gas will continue to play in energy security and the transition to net zero.
CME Chief Executive Rebecca Tomkinson said that while gas demand in the WA domestic market is forecast to grow over the next decade – driven by both decarbonisation activities and expansion opportunities within industry – the Interim Report found a “credible risk that the state will face a substantial gas supply shortfall” into the next decade.
“The report is clear that any scenario that jeopardises our gas supply security is likely to result in higher gas and electricity prices and is a risk to jobs and the state’s decarbonisation agenda,” Ms Tomkinson said.
“A low-carbon economy is not possible without first securing the natural gas, critical minerals and other resources needed now for a net zero future.”
Ms Tomkinson said the WA Government’s DomGas policy, which came into effect in 2006, had worked well for the state and this was acknowledged in the report.
“Looking forward, any changes to domestic gas policy settings must appropriately balance the needs of both gas consumers and producers,” she said.
“Further consultation will be required to avoid any adverse unintended consequences, so it’s promising to see the Committee is seeking to further test their findings with industry and the wider public and is yet to make any recommendations.
“WA needs a low emission, reliable and cost-competitive energy system by 2030. Clarity on policy settings are essential for investment certainty and market efficiency as we continue to progress towards net zero.”
<ENDS> Media contact: Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com
