Media Release: West Australian energy policy strategist named as new APPEA WA Director

A leading energy policy strategist is the new voice for Western Australia’s oil and gas industry as the sector drives the state’s economy and energy security, powers mining and mineral processing and unlocks renewables, low-carbon hydrogen and emissions reduction technologies.

Caroline Cherry has been appointed Western Australian Director of the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) after most recently working as Director of the LNG Jobs Taskforce in the WA Government.

She previously held roles at the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), WA’s Independent Market Operator (IMO) and the Commonwealth’s industry and resources department.

Ms Cherry said natural gas was playing an increasingly multi-faceted role in the state’s cleaner energy future but stressed that new supply was needed to ensure the state’s energy security.

“WA is a proud gas state and I am proud to be the new voice of the industry at such an exciting time in the cleaner energy transformation,” she said.

“With natural gas enabling $159 billion of state economic actvitiy and employing 70,000 people, we are central to WA’s cleaner energy future, backing up renewables to enable the state to phase out coal generators by 2030, alongside so many other uses.

“Domestic gas demand is driven by mining and minerals use, underscoring how gas also enables other important industries including the processing of critical minerals needed for net zero.

“Meanwhile, WA’s exports have made Australia a leading world gas supplier, helping importing Asian customers decarbonise, while underpinning WA’s domestic energy security.

“Policy settings that encourage investment in new gas supply are critical to meet forecast growing demand for gas and ensure the state maintains its enviable energy position.”

APPEA Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said: “Caroline will be a strong voice for members having already established herself as a prominent figure in the state in her most recent role developing strategic policy initiatives to unlock economic opportunities for WA.

“She has a proven track record delivering successful outcomes on key industry projects and government objectives and I look forward to that record now continuing for our members.”