WA to probe gas reservation policy ‘not delivering’ for big users
A parliamentary inquiry is set to review Western Australia’s domestic gas policy amid concerns over transparency and enforcement, particularly focusing on whether the stipulated 15% gas reserve for local use is effectively reaching the market.
The inquiry, led by Labor MP Peter Tinley, aims to evaluate the policy’s relevance nearly two decades since its inception under the Carpenter government, in light of evolving global energy dynamics and a shift towards a net-zero economy.
Criticism from the DomGas Alliance highlights issues with the actual delivery of gas reserved for domestic use, despite compliance with the reservation requirement by LNG producers.
The inquiry will also scrutinize exemptions granted to specific projects like the Waitsia gas project, backed by Kerry Stokes' Beach Energy, questioning the consistency and impact of such exceptions on the overall policy.
Scheduled to conclude with a report by late November, the inquiry encourages engagement from LNG producers to ensure the state’s energy reserves support its long-term economic and environmental goals.