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❓ Dr. Thomas questions the Premier regarding engagement with specific groups concerning the Collie pumped hydro project. The Premier declines to provide details, citing commercial confidentiality.

AnsweredQoN 1475Legislative Council

Asked

13 June 2023

Member

Hon Dr Steve Thomas

Portfolio

Premier

QuestionView source ↗

(1) I refer to the joint media statement of 14 June 2022 from the Premier and the Minister for Energy entitled ''State-owned coal power stations to be retired by 2030 with move towards renewable energy'', which notes Synergy and the Water Corporation undertaking analysis to determine the feasibility of a pumped hydro project in Collie, and I ask: (a) have any of the following groups registered an interest in, submitted a proposal for, or engaged with any departmental or ministerial officer relating to the development of a pumped hydro project in Collie: (i) the Frederik Suhren, Kevin Reynolds and Brian Burke–led Pump Hydro Collie group; (ii) the Seven Group as an entity, or officers representing the Seven Group; (iii) the Jemena Group; and (iv) Australian Capital Equity? (2) If yes to any of the groups in part (1),: (a) when did the submissions or engagements occur; (b) with whom did the proponent meet within Government; and (c) who were the people representing the proponent in those meetings or submissions?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

8 August 2023

Responded by

Leader of the House representing the Premier

Response time

10 days

(1 – 2) The Government is committed to decarbonising the electricity grid and large-scale storage is an important element of that process. The Government wants to encourage and facilitate private sector contributions to expedite decarbonisation in Western Australia. Given the commercial nature of such potential proposals, they would likely be commercial in confidence and would therefore not be appropriate for disclosure.

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