The Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) said plans for a new large-scale oil refinery proposed to be built in WA’s North West, is a case of “looking backwards to old technology in response to global issues”.
CCWA Executive Director Matt Roberts said this fantasy proposal would still rely on almost all of the crude oil it intends to refine – as much as 90% - being imported from overseas.
“If the Prime Minister and WA Premier are serious about securing our energy sovereignty for the future, we need to move away from propping-up old, dying industries and invest in onshore renewable energy solutions,” Mr Roberts said.
“The Premier claims WA will be a renewable energy powerhouse, so he should be investing in technology that’s cleaner, cheaper and under our control, rather than an oil refinery which would still be heavily dependent on crude oil imports.
“The cost of this ‘pre-feasibility study’ is touted to be $4 million and the refinery itself $15 billion – we have no detail as yet on what percentage of those costs will be worn by Australian taxpayers.
“Australians already subsidise the two oil refineries that operate in the country, so we’re spending taxpayer money on top of the cost for the refined product.
“The fossil fuel industry is on its way out and is determined to take us all with it. And right now, our government is letting them get away with it.”
ENDS
Media contact: John Cooke – 0433 679 780