Home›Questions on Notice›QoN 187

❓ The WA Premier is questioned about the justification for lobbying for rapid Commonwealth approval of Woodside's North West Shelf extension, its impact on specific projects, and potential effects on Mid West projects. The Premier's response highlights the importance of gas for WA's energy transition and decarbonisation efforts.

AnsweredQoN 187Legislative Council

Asked

22 May 2025

Member

Hon Sophie McNeill

Portfolio

Premier

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to public lobbying by the Premier for rapid approval by the Commonwealth Government of Woodside's North West Shelf extension, and to the current Commonwealth approval enabling the existing facility to operate to 2030, and I ask: (a) what is the basis for the claim by the Premier that early approval is critical for this facility; (b) what specific investments or gas supply projects is the Government or Premier aware of that would be impacted by a delayed decision, or an early approval; (c) is the Government aware of projects in the Mid West that would be affected by the timing of a Commonwealth decision on the North West Shelf extension; and (d) if yes to (c), what are the projects and how would they be affected?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

24 June 2025

Responded by

Leader of the House representing the Premier

Response time

7 days

(a – d) As we phase out coal-fired power and transition to a renewable energy future, Western Australia needs a secure supply of gas to firm the renewables entering our system.
Gas will be crucial to helping our trading partners to decarbonise, both directly and in helping WA process minerals like lithium, which are critical to the manufacturing of renewables and battery storage.

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