COALITION: WA GAS PROJECT MUST GET FEDERAL FAST-TRACK FOR OUR ENERGY SECURITY
- Browse project still not approved for production after 8 years; Coalition commits to approval.
- “State Significant Project” follows Coalition announcement to fast-track approvals.
- Federal Labor’s EPBC changes are unworkable, as WA Labor attempts to fast-track.
The Western Australian Government’s announcement that the Browse LNG project in WA would be declared a “State Significant Project” is a welcome acknowledgement of the critical need for more new gas developments in Australia, however a damning indictment of the approvals mess that the Federal Labor Government has created.
Shadow Minister for Resources, Senator Susan McDonald, said that whilst this designation would support the fast-tracking of the project at a state level, it is a clear sign that the Federal Labor Government’s approvals process is unworkable.
“At a time when Australia, and our partners are facing a fuel and energy crisis, we must be pulling every available lever to get new gas developments online and into production as soon as possible,” Senator McDonald said.
“The Coalition committed in April this year to fast-track the Browse LNG project if in Government, and we are glad to see that WA Labor has made this commitment.
“However, Federal Labor, including the WA-based Resources Minister, have left the project languishing in the approvals process.
“Eight years ago the Browse gas project first submitted environmental applications to the Federal Government – and they are still going.
“The Coalition, if elected, will designate the Browse project a National Strategic Priority Project, and I call on the Federal Labor Government to do the same.
“We must dig, drill, and pay down the debt – approving Browse is key to this.
“The Coalition has the strong plan, the strong team, and the strong leadership to undo Labor’s damage and get our country heading in the right direction.”
ENDS