Gorgon gas development possibility

28/06/02
The Western Australian Government has agreed to examine proposals for development of the huge Gorgon gas reserves offshore from Dampier, including the possible use of a small area on Barrow Island.
State Development Minister Clive Brown said today the Government had been advised of efforts to harness the large Gorgon gas reserves, including a possible development scenario using a restricted area of the Barrow Island 'A' Class Nature Reserve.
The development proposal had come from ChevronTexaco.
"The Government would only consider this development after a rigorous, accountable and transparent examination of the environmental, social, and economic ramifications were undertaken," Mr Brown said.
"Recognising the important and complex issues such a proposal raises, we have not presumed or guaranteed any outcome at this time," he said.
The State Government has requested the Environmental Protection Authority conduct a strategic environmental evaluation of the proposal and report back.
As the vesting authority for the Barrow Island Nature Reserve, the Conservation Commission of WA will also be advising the Government on nature conservation matters relating to the nature reserve.
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources would report to the Minister for State Development on the social and economic aspects.
The Government had therefore developed an integrated environmental, social and economic process to examine the proposal.
This evaluation was modelled on the usual environmental impact assessment processes of Part Four of the Environmental Protection Act and included a six-week public comment period.
Mr Brown said this did not mean that the Government would approve the use of Barrow Island for this purpose. However, it would keep an open mind.
The Government supported sustainable development of resources and believed the extensive reserves of natural gas off the WA coast could provide significant clean energy benefits to the wider community.
Mr Brown said that even with a 40-year history of industry and conservation coexisting on Barrow Island, the Government was especially aware that additional development on the island raised environmental concerns.
It therefore considered the best way to deal with these matters was through the rigorous and public processes it has developed for this proposal.
"We recognise and support the rigour of the State's environmental impact assessment process," Mr Brown said.
"The crucial role of CALM, the examination of alternative potential sites, and quarantine, are among the issues that will be addressed through this process, together with the economic and social benefits for the people of WA that would come from sensitive and responsible development of our natural resources."
Minister's office: 9222 9699