An open letter calling for Premier Cook to ensure enough gas for Western Australia without approving new projects by enforcing his government’s domestic gas reservation policy was published today by the Conservation Council of WA (CCWA). 

The open letter, published on page 15 of The West Australian newspaper, reads: 

Dear Premier Roger Cook,   

We don’t need to frack the Kimberley. We don’t need to wreck Scott Reef.  

If you enforced WA's domestic gas policy properly, we'd have more than enough gas for WA homes and businesses while we urgently transition to renewables.   

Do what’s right for WA. Stand up to the gas companies and get us the gas they owe.  

“Calls for the WA government to properly enforce its domestic gas reservation policy are growing louder,” said CCWA Fossil Fuels Program Manager Gerard Mazza. 

“Western Australia is one of the world’s biggest gas producers. The idea we’d face gas shortages is ludicrous. Ninety per cent of gas produced in WA is exported overseas, mostly royalty-free.

“WA has more than enough gas and no need for damaging new fossil fuel projects. 

“Roger Cook can protect Scott Reef and the Kimberley. If he’s worried about gas shortages, all he needs to do is enforce his own government’s reservation policy. 

“A Parliamentary Inquiry found that gas exporters have only given 8% of their gas to the domestic market — far less than the 15% the community expects from them. Woodside’s Pluto project is even worse, having provided just over 3%. 

“If Roger Cook steps in to stop the gas rip-off, he’ll be protecting climate, nature and communities from a destructive industry that will chase profits at any cost.” 

 The public are invited to sign onto the open letter at CCWA’s website.

ENDS