Media release: Streamlined approvals key to unlocking critical new gas investment in WA

Australian Energy Producers welcomes the Cook Government’s move to streamline approvals through the State Development Bill 2025 as a critical step towards unlocking new gas supply and investment to meet the state’s growing energy needs.  

Australian Energy Producers WA Director Richard Ellis said the reforms could help facilitate new gas projects that are critical to Western Australia’s energy security, industrial strength and economic diversification.

“The gas industry commends the Cook Government for recognising the need for faster approvals for projects of strategic significance,” Mr Ellis said.

“These reforms will give investors greater certainty and reduce costly delays, helping to unlock new gas supply that will power manufacturing, minerals processing and electricity generation across the state.

“Natural gas underpins Western Australia’s energy and economic security — supplying around 60 per cent of the State’s electricity and more than half the energy used by the mining and minerals sector. 

“Natural gas is not only critical for WA’s domestic energy needs – it also helps our key trading partners across Asia reduce emissions while meeting growing energy demand.”

The reforms come as the Australian Energy Market Operator warns of a steep rise in gas demand alongside looming supply shortfalls. Its 2024 WA Gas Statement of Opportunities forecasts daily gas consumption in WA will increase by 25 per cent by 2034, driven by industrial and minerals processing growth. Without new supply beyond committed projects, WA faces structural shortfalls from 2030 and a 14 per cent supply gap by 2034.

Mr Ellis said approval processes for complex gas projects had too often taken years, putting WA at risk of missing out on investment.

“It took six years for the North West Shelf Joint Venture to receive state approval for its project extension. While the industry supports strong regulatory standards, we need a system that is agile enough to deliver timely outcomes,” he said.

“The new statutory powers created under the State Development Bill can help strike this balance — maintaining environmental and cultural protections while ensuring WA secures the investment needed to meet long-term energy demand.”