With a shortage of gas looming over the WA economy, CCIWA has urged the Federal Government to make a swift decision on the North West Shelf Project Extension.
The approval, relating to ongoing operations of existing infrastructure in Karratha, has been tied up in the approvals process for six years, and a deadline for a decision on its future by the Commonwealth has been extended until at least March 31.
CCIWA Chief Executive, Peter Cock, said a decision is needed to give certainty to the project’s proponents and the WA community.
“This is a critically important project for Western Australia’s economy,” Dr Cock said.
“The companies that back major projects like this need certainty, and so does the West Australian community who will rely on the gas the North West Shelf Project will deliver over the coming decades.”
Dr Cock said reliable gas supplies underpin much of WA’s industry and economic activity.
“Gas is absolutely central to industry in WA, including iron ore mining, manufacturing, construction, water desalination and products like fertilisers,” he said.
“It also provides affordable and reliable electricity to the grid, keeping the lights on during surges like heatwaves, with around half the carbon emissions of coal.
“The extension of existing operations at the North West Shelf Project will help secure Australia’s domestic gas supplies for decades to come, supporting our economy and keeping costs down for families.”
Dr Cock also called on the Federal Government to reform the approvals system that has allowed the North West Shelf Project Extension to languish for so long.
“It is simply not rigorous or efficient to have state and federal approvals for projects like this running on different timelines,” he said.
“It doesn’t lead to better outcomes for the environment. It simply adds cost and complexity for investors and creates uncertainty for the economy.”
