The Gas Supply (Gas Quality Specifications) Bill 2009, which was introduced to the Western Australian parliament in August this year, allows the State Government to broaden the gas characteristics in the state transmission pipeline network for the domestic market.

“There were two significant gas supply disruptions last year, highlighting the need to develop strategies to avert future shortages and provide secure energy supply to meet the needs of the community,” Mr Collier said when the bill was first introduced.

“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,” said Mr Collier.

Previously, specifications such as heating value and levels of contaminants have restricted gas supply for the domestic market.