In a submission to the Federal Government’s domestic gas reservation framework consultation, the Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) has called for the implementation of a scheme to accelerate clean energy transition in WA, rather than delay it.
CCWA’s full submission can be downloaded here.
CCWA Fossil Fuels Program Manager Gerard Mazza said the submission called for “a federal reservation policy that can operate alongside Western Australia’s existing scheme to avoid artificial shortages and high energy prices.”
“Western Australia’s domestic gas reservation policy has failed to hold multinational gas exporters to account, but a well-designed federal scheme could make up for its shortfalls,” Mr Mazza said.
“If we ensure big gas corporations contribute their fair share, we will have more than enough gas for WA homes and businesses without the need for new gas projects as we accelerate the transition to clean, cheap renewable energy.
“Ninety per cent of the gas produced in WA is exported overseas, mostly royalty-free. Meanwhile, gas corporations are seeking approvals for destructive new export projects that would damage iconic places like Scott Reef and the Kimberley region.
“WA bears the costs, while multinational corporations reap the profits.
“Our submission calls for domestic supply obligations to be set annually by an independent regulator, rather than using an arbitrary benchmark, such as 20 per cent, which could significantly oversupply WA’s domestic market and lock in ongoing domestic gas use at a time when we should be phasing out fossil fuels.
“In addition, the federal gas reservation scheme should allow gas producers to cut their supply obligations by funding demand-reduction measures, like electrifying households and manufacturing.
“Premier Roger Cook’s claim that one of the world's biggest gas-producing provinces will face gas shortages is ludicrous. The numbers make it clear: WA has no need for new gas projects like Woodside’s Browse export proposal or fracking in the Kimberley.
“Gas corporations will try to wriggle their way out of their obligations to the domestic market, because they can make more profit selling gas overseas than to local homes and businesses. But the state and federal governments shouldn’t let them get away with it.
“Premier Cook intervened to prevent a 25 per cent tax on gas exports earlier this year, despite widespread community support for that proposal in WA.
"If he intervenes again to prevent a functioning federal gas reservation scheme, WA nature and climate will pay the price, as will Western Australians through higher energy bills.”
ENDS