The North West Shelf extension is vital to secure Western Australia’s domestic gas supplies, which drive our economy and provide affordable energy to homes and businesses.
This project has undertaken six years of robust and comprehensive environmental assessment ahead of State approval. Any further delay will stall much needed investment and risks long-term damage to Australia’s global reputation as a reliable place to invest.
We welcome the Federal Opposition’s pledge to fast-track its approval and urge the Government to commit to a similar timeframe.
WA and Australia relies on gas for a reliable supply of energy. Recent analysis by Australian Venture Consultants, commissioned by CCIWA, found a gas shortage could result in up to 45,000 jobs lost in WA’s resources sector alone.
It is essential Australia has policy settings in place that strike the right balance between the environment and the economy.
We also welcome the Coalition’s commitment to strengthen the economic and social consideration given to major projects through a National Interest Test under the EPBC Act.
This would ensure any decisions made on project approvals would deliver outcomes that are better for the environment and better for the economy.
