❓ The WA government is reviewing the Gorgon gas project on Barrow Island, balancing economic benefits with environmental concerns. A decision is expected after public consultation and legislative review.
AnsweredQoN 832Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the minister to the economic, social and environmental review currently being conducted into the Gordon Venture proposal to use Barrow Island to commercialise Gorgon gas reserves. What are the Government’s plans concerning the development of the Gorgon gas reserves? Mr C.M. BROWN
AnswerView source ↗
Members will be aware of a proposal by a joint venture group to commercialise the Gorgon gas reserves. This is one of the most significant but complex proposals to be considered by a Western Australian Government. The concept would involve limited use of Barrow Island. Barrow Island is on the one hand an A-class nature reserve and on the other hand an operating oil field, and has been for many years. The Gorgon field is a significant gas field, with a capacity of 40 trillion cubic feet of gas. The initial investment would involve $2 billion to $4 billion, which could include a single liquefied natural gas train as well as other infrastructure to deliver gas to shore. We imagine that capital investment between now and 2020 would be in the order of $11 billion. At the peak of construction, approximately 3 000 jobs would be created and once it is in operation it would provide around 400 jobs. Net exports would average about $2.4 billion from 2012. Company tax and commonwealth royalty payments would be approximately $17 billion. This is a very significant but complex economic project for Western Australia. Discussions are ongoing with the Commonwealth Government on an appropriate revenue sharing arrangement that will deliver fiscal benefits for people in Western Australia. The proposal may also provide an opportunity to sequester carbon dioxide from the Gorgon gas field to an area beneath Barrow Island, using the world’s latest technology. In recognition of the complexity of the project, the Government has sought information of a strategic, social, economic and environmental nature on the project. Earlier this year, the proponents released for public review an environmental, social and economic review document. I expect that on 1 July the following information will be made available for the community: an Environmental Protection Authority bulletin, advice from the Conservation Commission and social, economic and strategic advice from an independent expert panel engaged by the Department of Industry and Resources. That advice will be released for a six-week consultation period. Towards the end of August the Government will be called on to make an in-principle decision on whether it will agree to that part of Barrow Island being allocated for that purpose. If that occurs, it will be necessary to introduce legislation into the House. The Government has not said whether it will proceed with this proposal. It will make that decision in late August. If it does agree to the process, it will introduce legislation into the House. That legislation will be passed by both Houses by 31 December 2003 or the Government will not proceed with it. It is important to understand that if in-principle approval is granted to Barrow Island, the Gorgon Venture will still be required to seek all approvals through the normal approvals process, including those under the Environmental Protection Act. I thank the member for the question. This is a significant project. It is also a project that is not without complexities and potentially not without some degree of controversy. I want to make sure that it is well known and understood by the community of Western Australia that it is a project that offers significant economic benefits, but it is not a project without challenges.
Mr C.M. BROWN replied: Members will be aware of a proposal by a joint venture group to commercialise the Gorgon gas reserves. This is one of the most significant but complex proposals to be considered by a Western Australian Government. The concept would involve limited use of Barrow Island. Barrow Island is on the one hand an A-class nature reserve and on the other hand an operating oil field, and has been for many years. The Gorgon field is a significant gas field, with a capacity of 40 trillion cubic feet of gas. The initial investment would involve $2 billion to $4 billion, which could include a single liquefied natural gas train as well as other infrastructure to deliver gas to shore. We imagine that capital investment between now and 2020 would be in the order of $11 billion. At the peak of construction, approximately 3 000 jobs would be created and once it is in operation it would provide around 400 jobs. Net exports would average about $2.4 billion from 2012. Company tax and commonwealth royalty payments would be approximately $17 billion. This is a very significant but complex economic project for Western Australia. Discussions are ongoing with the Commonwealth Government on an appropriate revenue sharing arrangement that will deliver fiscal benefits for people in Western Australia. The proposal may also provide an opportunity to sequester carbon dioxide from the Gorgon gas field to an area beneath Barrow Island, using the world’s latest technology. In recognition of the complexity of the project, the Government has sought information of a strategic, social, economic and environmental nature on the project. Earlier this year, the proponents released for public review an environmental, social and economic review document. I expect that on 1 July the following information will be made available for the community: an Environmental Protection Authority bulletin, advice from the Conservation Commission and social, economic and strategic advice from an independent expert panel engaged by the Department of Industry and Resources. That advice will be released for a six-week consultation period. Towards the end of August the Government will be called on to make an in-principle decision on whether it will agree to that part of Barrow Island being allocated for that purpose. If that occurs, it will be necessary to introduce legislation into the House. The Government has not said whether it will proceed with this proposal. It will make that decision in late August. If it does agree to the process, it will introduce legislation into the House. That legislation will be passed by both Houses by 31 December 2003 or the Government will not proceed with it. It is important to understand that if in-principle approval is granted to Barrow Island, the Gorgon Venture will still be required to seek all approvals through the normal approvals process, including those under the Environmental Protection Act. I thank the member for the question. This is a significant project. It is also a project that is not without complexities and potentially not without some degree of controversy. I want to make sure that it is well known and understood by the community of Western Australia that it is a project that offers significant economic benefits, but it is not a project without challenges.
Members will be aware of a proposal by a joint venture group to commercialise the Gorgon gas reserves. This is one of the most significant but complex proposals to be considered by a Western Australian Government. The concept would involve limited use of Barrow Island. Barrow Island is on the one hand an A-class nature reserve and on the other hand an operating oil field, and has been for many years. The Gorgon field is a significant gas field, with a capacity of 40 trillion cubic feet of gas. The initial investment would involve $2 billion to $4 billion, which could include a single liquefied natural gas train as well as other infrastructure to deliver gas to shore. We imagine that capital investment between now and 2020 would be in the order of $11 billion. At the peak of construction, approximately 3 000 jobs would be created and once it is in operation it would provide around 400 jobs. Net exports would average about $2.4 billion from 2012. Company tax and commonwealth royalty payments would be approximately $17 billion. This is a very significant but complex economic project for Western Australia. Discussions are ongoing with the Commonwealth Government on an appropriate revenue sharing arrangement that will deliver fiscal benefits for people in Western Australia. The proposal may also provide an opportunity to sequester carbon dioxide from the Gorgon gas field to an area beneath Barrow Island, using the world’s latest technology. In recognition of the complexity of the project, the Government has sought information of a strategic, social, economic and environmental nature on the project. Earlier this year, the proponents released for public review an environmental, social and economic review document. I expect that on 1 July the following information will be made available for the community: an Environmental Protection Authority bulletin, advice from the Conservation Commission and social, economic and strategic advice from an independent expert panel engaged by the Department of Industry and Resources. That advice will be released for a six-week consultation period. Towards the end of August the Government will be called on to make an in-principle decision on whether it will agree to that part of Barrow Island being allocated for that purpose. If that occurs, it will be necessary to introduce legislation into the House. The Government has not said whether it will proceed with this proposal. It will make that decision in late August. If it does agree to the process, it will introduce legislation into the House. That legislation will be passed by both Houses by 31 December 2003 or the Government will not proceed with it. It is important to understand that if in-principle approval is granted to Barrow Island, the Gorgon Venture will still be required to seek all approvals through the normal approvals process, including those under the Environmental Protection Act. I thank the member for the question. This is a significant project. It is also a project that is not without complexities and potentially not without some degree of controversy. I want to make sure that it is well known and understood by the community of Western Australia that it is a project that offers significant economic benefits, but it is not a project without challenges.
This is a very significant but complex economic project for Western Australia. Discussions are ongoing with the Commonwealth Government on an appropriate revenue sharing arrangement that will deliver fiscal benefits for people in Western Australia. The proposal may also provide an opportunity to sequester carbon dioxide from the Gorgon gas field to an area beneath Barrow Island, using the world’s latest technology. In recognition of the complexity of the project, the Government has sought information of a strategic, social, economic and environmental nature on the project. Earlier this year, the proponents released for public review an environmental, social and economic review document. I expect that on 1 July the following information will be made available for the community: an Environmental Protection Authority bulletin, advice from the Conservation Commission and social, economic and strategic advice from an independent expert panel engaged by the Department of Industry and Resources. That advice will be released for a six-week consultation period. Towards the end of August the Government will be called on to make an in-principle decision on whether it will agree to that part of Barrow Island being allocated for that purpose. If that occurs, it will be necessary to introduce legislation into the House. The Government has not said whether it will proceed with this proposal. It will make that decision in late August. If it does agree to the process, it will introduce legislation into the House. That legislation will be passed by both Houses by 31 December 2003 or the Government will not proceed with it. It is important to understand that if in-principle approval is granted to Barrow Island, the Gorgon Venture will still be required to seek all approvals through the normal approvals process, including those under the Environmental Protection Act. I thank the member for the question. This is a significant project. It is also a project that is not without complexities and potentially not without some degree of controversy. I want to make sure that it is well known and understood by the community of Western Australia that it is a project that offers significant economic benefits, but it is not a project without challenges.
In recognition of the complexity of the project, the Government has sought information of a strategic, social, economic and environmental nature on the project. Earlier this year, the proponents released for public review an environmental, social and economic review document. I expect that on 1 July the following information will be made available for the community: an Environmental Protection Authority bulletin, advice from the Conservation Commission and social, economic and strategic advice from an independent expert panel engaged by the Department of Industry and Resources. That advice will be released for a six-week consultation period. Towards the end of August the Government will be called on to make an in-principle decision on whether it will agree to that part of Barrow Island being allocated for that purpose. If that occurs, it will be necessary to introduce legislation into the House. The Government has not said whether it will proceed with this proposal. It will make that decision in late August. If it does agree to the process, it will introduce legislation into the House. That legislation will be passed by both Houses by 31 December 2003 or the Government will not proceed with it. It is important to understand that if in-principle approval is granted to Barrow Island, the Gorgon Venture will still be required to seek all approvals through the normal approvals process, including those under the Environmental Protection Act. I thank the member for the question. This is a significant project. It is also a project that is not without complexities and potentially not without some degree of controversy. I want to make sure that it is well known and understood by the community of Western Australia that it is a project that offers significant economic benefits, but it is not a project without challenges.
Mr C.M. BROWN replied: Members will be aware of a proposal by a joint venture group to commercialise the Gorgon gas reserves. This is one of the most significant but complex proposals to be considered by a Western Australian Government. The concept would involve limited use of Barrow Island. Barrow Island is on the one hand an A-class nature reserve and on the other hand an operating oil field, and has been for many years. The Gorgon field is a significant gas field, with a capacity of 40 trillion cubic feet of gas. The initial investment would involve $2 billion to $4 billion, which could include a single liquefied natural gas train as well as other infrastructure to deliver gas to shore. We imagine that capital investment between now and 2020 would be in the order of $11 billion. At the peak of construction, approximately 3 000 jobs would be created and once it is in operation it would provide around 400 jobs. Net exports would average about $2.4 billion from 2012. Company tax and commonwealth royalty payments would be approximately $17 billion. This is a very significant but complex economic project for Western Australia. Discussions are ongoing with the Commonwealth Government on an appropriate revenue sharing arrangement that will deliver fiscal benefits for people in Western Australia. The proposal may also provide an opportunity to sequester carbon dioxide from the Gorgon gas field to an area beneath Barrow Island, using the world’s latest technology. In recognition of the complexity of the project, the Government has sought information of a strategic, social, economic and environmental nature on the project. Earlier this year, the proponents released for public review an environmental, social and economic review document. I expect that on 1 July the following information will be made available for the community: an Environmental Protection Authority bulletin, advice from the Conservation Commission and social, economic and strategic advice from an independent expert panel engaged by the Department of Industry and Resources. That advice will be released for a six-week consultation period. Towards the end of August the Government will be called on to make an in-principle decision on whether it will agree to that part of Barrow Island being allocated for that purpose. If that occurs, it will be necessary to introduce legislation into the House. The Government has not said whether it will proceed with this proposal. It will make that decision in late August. If it does agree to the process, it will introduce legislation into the House. That legislation will be passed by both Houses by 31 December 2003 or the Government will not proceed with it. It is important to understand that if in-principle approval is granted to Barrow Island, the Gorgon Venture will still be required to seek all approvals through the normal approvals process, including those under the Environmental Protection Act. I thank the member for the question. This is a significant project. It is also a project that is not without complexities and potentially not without some degree of controversy. I want to make sure that it is well known and understood by the community of Western Australia that it is a project that offers significant economic benefits, but it is not a project without challenges.
Members will be aware of a proposal by a joint venture group to commercialise the Gorgon gas reserves. This is one of the most significant but complex proposals to be considered by a Western Australian Government. The concept would involve limited use of Barrow Island. Barrow Island is on the one hand an A-class nature reserve and on the other hand an operating oil field, and has been for many years. The Gorgon field is a significant gas field, with a capacity of 40 trillion cubic feet of gas. The initial investment would involve $2 billion to $4 billion, which could include a single liquefied natural gas train as well as other infrastructure to deliver gas to shore. We imagine that capital investment between now and 2020 would be in the order of $11 billion. At the peak of construction, approximately 3 000 jobs would be created and once it is in operation it would provide around 400 jobs. Net exports would average about $2.4 billion from 2012. Company tax and commonwealth royalty payments would be approximately $17 billion. This is a very significant but complex economic project for Western Australia. Discussions are ongoing with the Commonwealth Government on an appropriate revenue sharing arrangement that will deliver fiscal benefits for people in Western Australia. The proposal may also provide an opportunity to sequester carbon dioxide from the Gorgon gas field to an area beneath Barrow Island, using the world’s latest technology. In recognition of the complexity of the project, the Government has sought information of a strategic, social, economic and environmental nature on the project. Earlier this year, the proponents released for public review an environmental, social and economic review document. I expect that on 1 July the following information will be made available for the community: an Environmental Protection Authority bulletin, advice from the Conservation Commission and social, economic and strategic advice from an independent expert panel engaged by the Department of Industry and Resources. That advice will be released for a six-week consultation period. Towards the end of August the Government will be called on to make an in-principle decision on whether it will agree to that part of Barrow Island being allocated for that purpose. If that occurs, it will be necessary to introduce legislation into the House. The Government has not said whether it will proceed with this proposal. It will make that decision in late August. If it does agree to the process, it will introduce legislation into the House. That legislation will be passed by both Houses by 31 December 2003 or the Government will not proceed with it. It is important to understand that if in-principle approval is granted to Barrow Island, the Gorgon Venture will still be required to seek all approvals through the normal approvals process, including those under the Environmental Protection Act. I thank the member for the question. This is a significant project. It is also a project that is not without complexities and potentially not without some degree of controversy. I want to make sure that it is well known and understood by the community of Western Australia that it is a project that offers significant economic benefits, but it is not a project without challenges.
This is a very significant but complex economic project for Western Australia. Discussions are ongoing with the Commonwealth Government on an appropriate revenue sharing arrangement that will deliver fiscal benefits for people in Western Australia. The proposal may also provide an opportunity to sequester carbon dioxide from the Gorgon gas field to an area beneath Barrow Island, using the world’s latest technology. In recognition of the complexity of the project, the Government has sought information of a strategic, social, economic and environmental nature on the project. Earlier this year, the proponents released for public review an environmental, social and economic review document. I expect that on 1 July the following information will be made available for the community: an Environmental Protection Authority bulletin, advice from the Conservation Commission and social, economic and strategic advice from an independent expert panel engaged by the Department of Industry and Resources. That advice will be released for a six-week consultation period. Towards the end of August the Government will be called on to make an in-principle decision on whether it will agree to that part of Barrow Island being allocated for that purpose. If that occurs, it will be necessary to introduce legislation into the House. The Government has not said whether it will proceed with this proposal. It will make that decision in late August. If it does agree to the process, it will introduce legislation into the House. That legislation will be passed by both Houses by 31 December 2003 or the Government will not proceed with it. It is important to understand that if in-principle approval is granted to Barrow Island, the Gorgon Venture will still be required to seek all approvals through the normal approvals process, including those under the Environmental Protection Act. I thank the member for the question. This is a significant project. It is also a project that is not without complexities and potentially not without some degree of controversy. I want to make sure that it is well known and understood by the community of Western Australia that it is a project that offers significant economic benefits, but it is not a project without challenges.
In recognition of the complexity of the project, the Government has sought information of a strategic, social, economic and environmental nature on the project. Earlier this year, the proponents released for public review an environmental, social and economic review document. I expect that on 1 July the following information will be made available for the community: an Environmental Protection Authority bulletin, advice from the Conservation Commission and social, economic and strategic advice from an independent expert panel engaged by the Department of Industry and Resources. That advice will be released for a six-week consultation period. Towards the end of August the Government will be called on to make an in-principle decision on whether it will agree to that part of Barrow Island being allocated for that purpose. If that occurs, it will be necessary to introduce legislation into the House. The Government has not said whether it will proceed with this proposal. It will make that decision in late August. If it does agree to the process, it will introduce legislation into the House. That legislation will be passed by both Houses by 31 December 2003 or the Government will not proceed with it. It is important to understand that if in-principle approval is granted to Barrow Island, the Gorgon Venture will still be required to seek all approvals through the normal approvals process, including those under the Environmental Protection Act. I thank the member for the question. This is a significant project. It is also a project that is not without complexities and potentially not without some degree of controversy. I want to make sure that it is well known and understood by the community of Western Australia that it is a project that offers significant economic benefits, but it is not a project without challenges.
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