Opportunity to get the facts on gas industry

The Kimberley communities of Broome and Derby will have the chance to learn more about gas industry regulation and the contentious topic of "~fraccing' at two open days to be hosted by the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) next week.

  • Information sessions in response to community requests

  • Minister appeals to public to attend

The Kimberley communities of Broome and Derby will have the chance to learn more about gas industry regulation and the contentious topic of "~fraccing' at two open days to be hosted by the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) next week.

"The Government's top priority is the protection of health, water supplies and the environment," Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said.

"That's why the DMP is the lead State Government regulator, ensuring adherence to our environmental and safety rules, which are the strongest in Australia."

Mr Marmion said the potential jobs from developing the onshore gas industry were important for Western Australian communities but the method of extracting gas from shale and tight rock - hydraulic fracture stimulation - had become controversial.

"Concerns about risks are understandable but name me one industry, from farming to mining, that is risk-free," he said.

"What really matters is the assessment, management and regulation of that risk, and WA is very strong in this field.

"I am alarmed by the amount of incorrect and misleading information about gas extraction."

The Minister said people were rightly seeking clarity and these two events followed community requests for information.

"This is also an opportunity to share concerns with regulators and better understand the processes in place to protect people and the environment," Mr Marmion said.

"Petroleum activities across WA have been tightly regulated for more than 50 years and the development of onshore resources will be policed just as rigorously."

       Fact File

Minister's office - 6552 6800