Reforms aiming to remove unnecessary regulatory burdens on the upstream petroleum industry will be on the agenda at the next Council of Australian Governments meeting, with the establishment of a national offshore petroleum regulator to be considered.
Following a recommendation by the Productivity Commission in July 2009, the Federal Government announced its intention to establish a national offshore regulator for petroleum, mining and greenhouse gas storage activities by 1 January 2012.
Commenting on current processes, Mr Barnett said “The (state) Government has streamlined the approvals process and will this year progress legislation to further overhaul the approvals system in the areas of planning, mining, environment and land development.”
Mr Barnett further noted that the Western Australian Government has also doubled the rate of planning approvals, as compared to the previous state Government, and has completed an investigation into how it can further minimise bureaucratic red tape on business and the community.
Article continues below…Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Chief Executive Belinda Robinson said “There’s a very real risk that genuine reform can be derailed by political agendas that have nothing to do with creating a more efficient regulatory regime.”
Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore has supported Mr Barnett saying that the State Government would never give up its powers of approval over projects in state waters and onshore.
“When you look at Pluto, Wheatstone and Browse and all the North West Shelf projects, they are all a significant part of the West Australian economy,” Mr Moore said.
