❓ A parliamentary question regarding the premature shutdown of the oil mallee bioenergy demonstration plant in Narrogin, seeking justification and future plans. The government clarifies the plant's purpose and explores private sector options.
AnsweredQoN 106Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
OIL MALLEE BIOENERGY DEMONSTRATION PLANT
I refer to the oil mallee bioenergy demonstration plant at Narrogin that commenced trials in January. (1) How can the government justify prematurely shutting down this $20 million facility next month after less than five months of operation? (2) Will the government give an undertaking to continue funding this facility? (3) If not, why not? (4) Is the government going to trial blue gums, mallets or other feed stock at the plant? (5) If yes - (a) has funding been made available for that to happen; and (b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE
I refer to the oil mallee bioenergy demonstration plant at Narrogin that commenced trials in January. (1) How can the government justify prematurely shutting down this $20 million facility next month after less than five months of operation? (2) Will the government give an undertaking to continue funding this facility? (3) If not, why not? (4) Is the government going to trial blue gums, mallets or other feed stock at the plant? (5) If yes - (a) has funding been made available for that to happen; and (b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(1) How can the government justify prematurely shutting down this $20 million facility next month after less than five months of operation? (2) Will the government give an undertaking to continue funding this facility? (3) If not, why not? (4) Is the government going to trial blue gums, mallets or other feed stock at the plant? (5) If yes - (a) has funding been made available for that to happen; and (b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(2) Will the government give an undertaking to continue funding this facility? (3) If not, why not? (4) Is the government going to trial blue gums, mallets or other feed stock at the plant? (5) If yes - (a) has funding been made available for that to happen; and (b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(3) If not, why not? (4) Is the government going to trial blue gums, mallets or other feed stock at the plant? (5) If yes - (a) has funding been made available for that to happen; and (b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(4) Is the government going to trial blue gums, mallets or other feed stock at the plant? (5) If yes - (a) has funding been made available for that to happen; and (b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(5) If yes - (a) has funding been made available for that to happen; and (b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(a) has funding been made available for that to happen; and (b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(1) How can the government justify prematurely shutting down this $20 million facility next month after less than five months of operation? (2) Will the government give an undertaking to continue funding this facility? (3) If not, why not? (4) Is the government going to trial blue gums, mallets or other feed stock at the plant? (5) If yes - (a) has funding been made available for that to happen; and (b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(2) Will the government give an undertaking to continue funding this facility? (3) If not, why not? (4) Is the government going to trial blue gums, mallets or other feed stock at the plant? (5) If yes - (a) has funding been made available for that to happen; and (b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(3) If not, why not? (4) Is the government going to trial blue gums, mallets or other feed stock at the plant? (5) If yes - (a) has funding been made available for that to happen; and (b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(4) Is the government going to trial blue gums, mallets or other feed stock at the plant? (5) If yes - (a) has funding been made available for that to happen; and (b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(5) If yes - (a) has funding been made available for that to happen; and (b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(a) has funding been made available for that to happen; and (b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(b) how long would it take to complete those trials? (6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(6) If no to question (4), will the minister explain the government’s reasons? (7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(7) How will the government fulfil its commitment to expand the oil mallee sector into a full-scale regional industry? The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
The Leader of the House may also wish to comment on how this will impact on the agricultural sector. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
I will take that last part as a question without notice, which the member is quite entitled to ask. I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for Energy has provided the following response - (1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(1) Western Power built the integrated wood-processing plant at Narrogin as a demonstration plant, not as a plant for long-term commercial operation. As such, the facility has served its purpose and the program of work is scheduled to end soon. (2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(2) No. (3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(3) The government is committed to maximising the value to the state of this technology. The government is working with Verve Energy to ensure this occurs. (4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(4) Verve Energy is exploring the opportunity to trial blue gums as feed stock for the demonstration plant. Funding for such a trial may come from the national action plan for salinity and water quality, which is the current funding agency for the demonstration plant, or a party interested in the commercial opportunities for the technology. I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
I will add to that answer, surplus to the minister’s prepared response. Although Western Power’s commitment to the facility is near completion, it does not mean it stops operating. The most likely thing is that it will be offered to the private sector to operate. (5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(5) The funding question has been answered at (2). The trialling of blue gums as feed stock is expected to take several weeks. (6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(6) Not applicable. (7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
(7) Verve Energy will undertake a full analysis of the commercial potential of the technology that utilises the mallee feed stock. As part of this process it will disseminate relevant information as widely as possible to ensure the maximum opportunity for a commercial outcome. I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
I will go now to the question without notice to me. The oil mallee sector is progressing very well and is achieving many of the objectives that it set out to achieve. It is not fair for honourable members to imagine that the oil mallee industry is dependent upon the integrated wood-processing facility at Narrogin. Certainly, the Oil Mallee Company, as a representative of the oil mallee growers, is very interested in its future - so are the rest of us - but the oil mallee industry is progressing in its own right in a very effective way and has a very significant future. What we have learnt from the commitment that Western Power, the state government and the federal government collectively made to the Narrogin facility is the kind of vital data that was not previously available. Putting the three functions involved in the integrated facility together in a single operation has provided particularly valuable information for future commercial operations. However, this plant was never designed as a commercial operating plant. That is not to say that it cannot be, and I hope that it can be.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.