The Nationals WA have unanimously supported landowners’ rights to veto onshore oil and gas exploration and production on private land at the Party’s 2016 State Conference at the weekend.
A motion supporting amendments to the Western Australian Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Act 1967 to include a right to veto to protect landholders’ interests from exploration and production by commercial onshore oil and gas operators was carried without opposition at the Conference.
Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Dave Grills MLC said the outcome was a major win for landholders, and if implemented would afford them the same right to veto over the petroleum industry afforded under the Mining Act 1978.
“The Nationals WA strongly support the landholders having the right to choose whether to allow gas exploration and production on their property,” Mr Grills said.
“This a practical and sensible proposal that, if implemented, will significantly reduce some of the current uncertainty over land use and access in Western Australia.
“We have responded to feedback received from landholders and this policy will serve as a key platform for the Party’s position in the lead up to the 2017 State election.
“I would like to thank the Member for Moore, Shane Love MLA, for his hard work in this area.”
Nationals WA Candidate for Roe Peter Rundle said The Nationals WA were committed to ensuring landholders have a right to veto onshore gas exploration.
“There has been community concern surrounding some of the potential effects associated with the development of the onshore gas industry in WA,” Mr Rundle said.
“I believe giving landholders the right to veto onshore gas exploration and production is an effective way to maintain their property rights and minimise possible land use disputes.
“If elected in March 2017, The Nationals WA will vigorously pursue this important reform on behalf of WA landholders.”
For media enquiries contact Dave Grills MLC on (08) 9071 500 or email dave.grills@mp.wa.gov.au