WA should focus on solar energy: Chapple

The State Government should be directing its focus towards renewable energy rather than LNG, according to Greens Mining and Pastoral MLC Robin Chapple.

Last month the WA Government established an LNG jobs taskforce aimed at positioning WA as a global LNG hub.

Mr Chapple said becoming a global leader in LNG was nothing to get excited about. “Just because Australia is becoming the world’s largest exporter of LNG doesn’t mean we should pour more money and resources into the finite resource,” he said.

“I believe it is far wiser to establish a renewable energy taskforce and aim at establishing WA as a global leader in solar energy.

“WA has extremely high levels of solar radiation and as (Regional Development) Minister (Alannah) MacTiernan has said, our State is an ideal location for both generation of renewable energy and the development of technologies which could lead the world.”

Mr Chapple said any expansion of the LNG industry on the Burrup Peninsula could adversely impact the rock art in the area.

Premier Mark McGowan said positioning WA as an LNG service sector leader would create job opportunities.

“Courses could be provided by education and training providers that align with the needs of industry,” he said.

Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association WA chief operating officer Stedman Ellis welcomed the news, stating an LNG service industry could create up to 15,000 jobs.