Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:44:04 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 list Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Legislation passed to help secure long-term gas supplies http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132796 Content:

Energy consumers will benefit from greater competition and greater certainty over gas supply as a result of legislation passed today in State Parliament.

 

Energy Minister Peter Collier said the legislation would allow the development of a greater range of gas fields to supply the domestic market.

 

“This will benefit customers by leading to greater competition among gas producers and improving energy security through a more diverse range of gas sources,” Mr Collier said.

 

The Gas Supply (Gas Quality Specifications) Bill 2009 allows the State Government to broaden the gas characteristics in the State transmission pipeline network for the domestic market.

 

“Broadening the make-up of gas for the domestic market will encourage developments of gas fields, such as BHP Billiton’s Macedon, which currently sits outside specifications for delivery through Western Australia’s gas pipeline network,” he said.

 

The Minister said the new legislation may render unsafe some pre-1980s gas appliances - such as gas cookers, heaters and hot water systems - if operated on leaner gas.

 

“To offset any inconvenience to consumers, a special program will be introduced before the leaner gas starts flowing to either service these appliances or replace them at no charge,” he said.

 

“The gas rectification program will be funded by the producers who intend to supply gas with a leaner energy content, ensuring safety to residential consumers, schools and other institutions.”

 

The legislation is just one of several measures the State Government is taking to avert future shortages and ensuring WA is better prepared for any future gas supply disruptions.

 

Mr Collier recently released the Gas Supply and Emergency Management Committee’s report, which provided recommendations to improve the security, reliability and competitiveness of the domestic energy markets, and potential mitigation options for gas supply disruptions.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 18/11/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Energy
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:34:06 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132796 Discussion invited on long term energy vision http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132788 Content:

Energy Minister Peter Collier has released a discussion paper to provide direction for a long term energy vision for Western Australia.

 

The Strategic Energy Initiative 2030 will address key areas of security and reliability, a cleaner energy future, infrastructure, energy supply and demand, regional and remote energy, and markets and regulation.

 

Mr Collier said it would set out clear goals to provide guidance for policy makers and investors, while maintaining flexibility for the State to adapt quickly to take advantage of new opportunities and address emerging issues.

 

“Securing the energy future for WA is a priority of the State Government,” he said.

 

“There was no clear energy direction for WA when we came into office last year - there was no direction for the State’s energy sector, which is something the industry has been constantly calling for.

 

“As Minister for Energy, I will lead the development of the Strategic Energy Initiative, which will incorporate the knowledge and experience of energy experts from government agencies, industry and the community at large.”

 

The State Government had already undertaken major steps to fix the fundamentals of reliability and energy security in WA, and it was now time to plan for the future.

 

“This will include delivering a cleaner energy future through the development of renewable energy supplies, while meeting our commitment to the national target of 20 per cent renewable energy by 2020,” the Minister said.

 

“This is a significant increase in the commitment to renewable energy when compared to the 15 per cent target by the previous Labor government over the same timeframe.”

 

Mr Collier said while the Government was increasing the use of renewable energy for power generation, effective planning was needed to increase the State’s fuel mix.

 

“There are unique circumstances in WA due to the expanse of the State and that needs to be taken into consideration as we develop a strategic energy direction and work towards the 2020 target,” he said.

 

The Minister said the Karratha Gas Plant shutdown in January 2008 and the Varanus Island explosion in June 2008 provided valuable lessons on the need to protect energy security and prepare for the unexpected.

 

The Liberal-National Government has implemented several initiatives to address some of the immediate issues, such as:

  • establishing the Gas Supply and Emergency Management Committee to examine ways in which the impact of supply disruptions can be reduced
  • introducing legislation into Parliament to allow the specification of gas transported in pipelines to be broadened as a means to encourage the development of gas fields that sit outside existing specifications
  • commissioning a review into the financial position of Verve Energy, the recommendations of which are currently being implemented.

“It is essential that we take a holistic approach to the development of a long-term energy strategy,” Mr Collier said.

 

“This includes making best use of existing technologies, while also ensuring the State is ready to take advantage of the technical advances that are already emerging.

 

“The State Government is committed to a secure, reliable, competitive and cleaner energy future for WA.”

 

A copy of the Strategic Energy Initiative is available on the Office of Energy website http://www.energy.wa.gov.au or by contacting 9420 5600.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 17/11/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Energy
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:31:20 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132788 Solar City agreement welcomed http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132744 Content:

Energy Minister Peter Collier has welcomed today’s launch of the $73.5million Perth Solar City program.

 

He joined Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett in recognising Perth as Australia’s seventh and final demonstration Solar City.

 

The program, which will be run by a consortium led by Western Power, aims to encourage industry, business, governments and the general community to change the way they produce, use and save energy.

 

It would include the installation of smart meters, solar hot water systems and photovoltaics and be delivered to more than 106,000 homes within the six-member councils of the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council.

 

These include the Town of Bassendean; cities of Bayswater, Belmont and Swan; and the shires of Kalamunda and Mundaring.

 

“This four-year project is an excellent example of how different levels of government, business and the community can work co-operatively to show how we can be smarter about how we use energy,” Mr Collier said.

 

“The information collected will assist in developing more sustainable energy solutions both now and in the future.”

 

The Minister said the project would also assess the merits of a range of new technologies, such as the use of smart meters, widely used around the world to help consumers, retailers and distributors manage the use of energy across the network.

 

Mr Collier said the environmental and financial impacts of solar energy generation and the impacts of integrating such systems into the electricity grid would also be considered as part of the project.

 

“The State Government has committed to the national target of 20 per cent renewable energy by 2020, so this project will be one of many steps to achieve this important goal,” he said.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 5/11/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Energy
Region: Eastern Metropolitan
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:22:34 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132744 Underground power for City of Canning http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132732 Content:

Energy Minister Peter Collier has helped finalise an agreement to deliver underground power and new street lighting to more than 900 households in Wilson.

 

Mr Collier co-signed the partnership agreement to provide funding for the project with City of Canning Mayor Joe Delle Donne and Western Power managing director Doug Aberle, as part of Round Four of the Underground Power Program.

 

“The Wilson West Underground Power Project will improve the standard of electricity supply to customers, enhance local streetscapes and increase property values,” he said.

 

“When construction is completed, residents in the project area will notice a significant transformation of streetscapes with the removal of 502 poles and installation of 290 new street lights.”

 

Construction on the $9million project will start immediately and is expected to be completed in December 2010.

 

The Minister said the program’s costs would be shared between local government and the State Government, which would contribute 25 per cent through the Office of Energy and 25 per cent through Western Power.

 

Mr Collier praised the City of Canning and Western Power for their contribution in preparing detailed designs for the project.

 

Proposals from local governments for Round Five of the Underground Power Program can now be submitted.

 

Information regarding applications is available on the Office of Energy website at http://www.energy.wa.gov.au.

 

Inquiries should be directed to the Underground Power Program executive officer on 9420 5679.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 4/11/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Energy
Region: South Western Suburbs
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:46:01 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132732 Funding for Sustainable Energy Projects http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132703 Content:

A series of community workshops and an expo to encourage householders to reduce their energy consumption is one of eight initiatives that will benefit from State Government funding.

 

Energy Minister Peter Collier said about $255,000 would be shared among Western Australian organisations through the Sustainable Energy Development Office (SEDO) grants program.

 

“This program supports community sustainable energy projects as well as research and development initiatives,” Mr Collier said.

 

“The community-based projects help householders to reduce fossil fuel energy use, while the research and development based projects assist the expansion of innovative sustainable energy technologies and installations in WA.”

 

The successful applicants were:

 

  • City of Gosnells ($40,000): A Green Light Schools Fundraiser will be held to provide information and materials to encourage students and their families to save energy
  • Denmark Education and Innovation Centre ($30,000): Simple measures householders can take to reduce their energy use will be highlighted through initiatives such as home sustainability audits and advisory workshops
  • Green Skills Inc ($29,480): Five community workshops will be held throughout the metropolitan area, coupled with a Home Retrofitting Expo, to encourage householders to use energy in a more sustainable manner
  • Perth Diocesan Trustees ($30,200): A pilot program will be developed to assist householders to reduce carbon emissions
  • Perth Region NRM ($50,000): Funding will be used to develop sector specific energy management action plans and software tools to identify energy savings
  • Pure Engineering ($45,900): The company aims to develop a pre-production prototype of the vertical axis turbine suitable for extended field testing
  • Town of Vincent ($25,000): Householders will be encouraged to change their behaviour and increase their knowledge of sustainable living through energy workshops and household audits
  • The University of Western Australia ($5,000): The university aims to develop a safer and more energy efficient fuel cell that does not require the storage of hydrogen gas.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7150
Date: 28/10/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Energy
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:30:55 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132703 Submissions open for underground power projects http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132683 Content:

Energy Minister Peter Collier has invited local councils to submit proposals to replace overhead powerlines in their communities with underground power.

 

Announcing round five of the Underground Power Program, Mr Collier said retrofitting overhead powerlines improved the standard of electricity supply to customers, enhanced local streetscapes and increased property values.

 

“These benefits flow through to residents, local governments and the broader community,” he said.

 

“About 60 projects have been completed State-wide since the program was introduced in 1996, providing a more reliable electricity supply to at least 70,000 properties.”

 

The Minister said the program’s costs would be shared between local government and the State Government, contributing 25 per cent through the Office and Energy and 25 per cent through Western Power.

 

“The program will be introduced in areas where there is a clear majority of support from landowners, who will be surveyed by local councils as evidence of support,” he said.

 

Guidelines, an application template and additional information for round five proposals are available on the Office of Energy (OOE) website http://www.energy.wa.gov.au, with applications to be submitted by 5pm on Friday, February 19, 2010.

 

The shortlisted projects will be announced in July and the first successful projects are expected to start in mid-2011.

 

All local government enquiries should be directed to the Underground Power Program executive officer on 9420 5679.

 

Mr Collier said the OOE would carry out a major public review of the program.

 

He said the review would investigate costs for future rounds of the program, identify priorities for undergrounding of power with respect to extreme weather events, and improve the equity and affordability of the program.

 

“The office is preparing detailed draft terms of reference for the full public review,” the Minister said.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7150
Date: 26/10/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Energy
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:41:57 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132683 Comment invited on feed-in tariff scheme design http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132674 Content:

Energy Minister Peter Collier is inviting public comment on the design of a feed-in tariff scheme for Western Australia.

 

In releasing a discussion paper today, Mr Collier said this was the latest step in the Liberal-National Government’s commitment to introduce a feed-in tariff from July 2010.

 

“Earlier this year, I announced the $13.5million Household Renewable Energy Scheme to support owners of household renewable energy systems, installed between September 6, 2008 and June 2, 2009, while at the same time committing to the introduction of a feed-in tariff,” he said.

 

“Due to an unprecedented uptake of systems, the original $13.5million allocated for a gross feed-in tariff scheme was not sufficient to meet the demand for systems installed since the State Election.

 

“As many householders would have missed out under the original scheme it was important to work on an alternative design that would provide an on-going benefit to households and the solar industry in WA.”

 

The Minister said the State Government intended to introduce a feed-in tariff that was paid on a net generation and applied to photovoltaic, wind and micro-hydro technologies.

 

“The discussion paper presents an opportunity for the public and key stakeholders to provide input into the development of the preferred scheme design,” he said.

 

“A net feed-in tariff will allow the scheme to better align with systems in other jurisdictions across Australia and provide a more nationally consistent incentive to the industry.”

 

While comment is being sought on a residential proposal, a feasibility study will be conducted on the potential for a feed-in tariff scheme for small business and commercial premises.

 

“This will be conducted separately to the development of a residential tariff,” Mr Collier said.

 

A copy of the discussion paper is available on the Office of Energy website, at http://www.energy.wa.gov.au or by phoning 9420 5600 and the closing date for submissions is November 20.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7150
Date: 23/10/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Energy
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:26:22 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132674 Funding to improve quality and reliability of power in Ravensthorpe http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132634 Content:

Energy Minister Peter Collier and Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls have announced $3million funding to improve power reliability for Ravensthorpe.

 

This followed ongoing discussions between Western Power and the local community, including the South Eastern Shires Regional Power Group, to upgrade the region’s power supply and to meet the region’s potential load growth.

 

Mr Collier said funding would be used to implement a two-stage plan developed by Western Power and Horizon Power to help resolve the region’s immediate power supply issues.

 

The first involved establishing a temporary diesel power station to supply the town. This is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2009.

 

Stage two is expected to be the development of a hybrid system involving a combination of renewable energy and diesel.

 

“This temporary arrangement will remain in place for up to two years while a more sustainable solution to Ravensthorpe’s power supplies is developed,” Mr Collier said.

 

“Securing the region’s power for the future is a priority for the Liberal-National Government.”

 

Western Power has continued to invest in improving local power supplies in the past two years, installing two diesel generators to help resolve capacity and quality issues until a permanent solution was developed.

 

Mr Grylls said reliability of electricity supply in Ravensthorpe was raised as a major priority for the local community during a consultation process he had undertaken earlier this year.

 

“It was one of many concerns which the State Government committed to undertake to ensure the viability of the Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun communities,” he said

 

“The Government’s investment will help improve the power supply in Ravensthorpe while a more sustainable and longer term plan is developed.”

 

Energy Minister’s office - 9213 7150

Regional Development Minister’s office - 9213 7000

Date: 17/10/2009
Minister: Collier;Grylls
Portfolio: Energy;Regional Development
Region: Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:35:08 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132634 State Government backs relocation of wave power plant to Garden Island http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132624 Content:

The State Government will continue its $12.5million investment in a proposed low-emissions power station, after proponents requested to relocate the project from Albany to Garden Island.

 

Environment Minister Donna Faragher and Energy Minister Peter Collier agreed to continue the funding for Carnegie Corporation’s wave energy project, through the Low Emissions Energy Development (LEED) fund.

 

Mrs Faragher said the Government sought advice from the probity auditor, Paxon Group, and the Western Australian Chief Scientist, after it was notified of Carnegie’s preferred new location.

 

“The company nominated an area west of Garden Island as the preferred location for its wave energy project, as it was considered to be the lower risk option for the demonstration facility,” she said.

 

“An assessment of the relocation proposal, completed by the Department of Environment and Conservation, showed it would still meet the original project objectives and probity requirements.

 

“The contractual conditions placed on the company when the original LEED funding announcement was made in February remain unchanged.

 

“This means Carnegie Corporation is still required to match every $1 of Government investment with $3 from elsewhere, leading to a direct total investment of $50million in low-emissions electricity generation in WA.” 

 

The power station will use submerged pumping units on the seafloor to collect wave energy in the form of pressurised sea water, which would generate electricity from a hydroelectric turbine onshore.

 

Mr Collier said calmer and more predictable sea conditions off Garden Island, combined with proximity to high-technology support services, were the two main reasons behind the change in site.

 

He said the State Government supported Carnegie’s relocation plan, which aimed to deliver optimum performance from the five megawatt (MW) power station.

 

“The Government’s investment also gives the company a platform to explore the benefits of a larger scale 50MW power station, which would have the potential to save 240,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year,” Mr Collier said.

 

“By agreeing to the company’s request, we are supporting good science and ensuring that WA is placed at the forefront of the green energy revolution.

 

“The Liberal-National Government remains committed to the development of renewable energy supplies in WA and to the national target of 20 per cent renewable energy by 2020.

 

“I am encouraged by the ongoing interest in the LEED fund, and the Government looks forward to continuing to work with industry leaders and innovators to deliver practical energy solutions.”

 

Environment Minister's office - 9213 7250
Energy Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 15/10/2009
Minister: Faragher;Collier
Portfolio: Environment;Energy
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:14:21 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132624 Report recommends measures for State’s long term gas security http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132607 Content:

Energy Minister Peter Collier will today table a report detailing strategies to help avert future gas shortages and provide secure energy supply for Western Australia.

 

The Gas Supply and Emergency Management Committee’s Report to Government includes recommendations to improve the security, reliability and competitiveness of the domestic energy markets, and to improve the management and mitigate the impacts of gas emergency situations.

 

This follows the Minister’s announcement in January of a review to be undertaken by the Gas Supply and Emergency Management Committee, after two gas supply disruptions in 2008.

 

“These events highlighted the need to develop strategies to avert future shortages and provide secure energy supplies to meet the needs of the community,” Mr Collier said.

 

“The committee was tasked with providing advice on the State’s gas security, gas supply disruption management and potential mitigation options for disruptions.

 

“It also considered the range of plausible gas supply shortage events and the best way to minimise any impacts on our community and business. 

 

“The committee’s recommendations support the Liberal-National Government’s objectives to provide secure, reliable and competitive energy supply to meet the needs of the community and support WA’s growing economy.”

 

The committee’s key recommendations include:

  • implement strategic and operational plans endorsed by the committee to respond to gas supply disruptions
  • implement regulatory frameworks to assist in the development of gas contingency services in the electricity and gas markets
  • implement a range of gas market arrangements to improve the security, reliability and competitiveness of the domestic gas supply market in WA.

“The Government is committed to ensuring that the committee’s recommendations are considered in a timely manner and will do so as a matter of priority,” Mr Collier said.

 

“While it is not possible to ensure that disruptions to gas supply do not occur, the recommendations presented by the committee will help mitigate the potential impacts in the unlikely event of a further gas supply disruption.

 

“The Government has taken a strategic approach to ensure WA is better prepared for any future gas supply disruptions while also providing secure energy supply to meet the growing needs of the community.

 

“For example, we have introduced to Parliament the Gas Supply (Gas Quality Specifications) Bill 2009, allowing for the development of a greater range of gas fields to supply the domestic market, with legislation expected to be passed by the end of this year.

 

“As a responsible Government, we must deliver a reliable and secure energy supply while Australia moves towards providing a cleaner energy future.”

 

A copy of the report is available on the Office of Energy website at http://www.energy.wa.gov.au/ or phone 9420 5600.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 13/10/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Energy
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:41:06 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132607