The Western Australian Government has released its implementation plan for hydraulic fracturing.
In 2018, an independent Scientific Inquiry was carried out to understand the risks associated with extracting petroleum products using Hydraulic Fracture Stimulation, and to protect the state’s environment from those risks.
After carefully considering the Inquiry Report, the WA Government responded by accepting in-principle the Inquiry’s recommendations and announcing a raft of new, world-class controls as detailed in its Implementation Plan.
The plan provides a pathway forward for developing some of WA’s onshore oil and gas resources.
APPEA Chief Executive, Andrew McConville, said that the plan highlighted there were robust regulations in place for onshore exploration and development in WA.
“Hydraulic fracturing has been used safely in Western Australia for more than 60 years and the independent Scientific Inquiry confirmed that properly regulated, hydraulic fracturing is a safe practice.
“Industry agrees with the Government that WA has a proud history of safe and responsible oil and gas operations, and the sector will work closely with regulators, stakeholders and regional communities to maintain this world-class approach.”
Mr McConville said it was vital that the recommendations were implemented with a genuine consideration of science and well-known risks.
“Like many other industries, technological advances in the petroleum sector have driven strong environmental and safety performances in recent years.
“WA needs a stable policy framework to ensure certainty and confidence for companies to continue to invest in this important oil and gas state.
“WA heavily relies on major investment in resources projects to sustain employment and economic growth.
“APPEA and its members look forward to working with the WA Government and stakeholders to deliver the implementation plan to allow development of onshore oil and gas and deliver much-needed jobs and economic growth, especially in regional areas.”
