Push for Collie gas pipeline plan

A proposal to extend the Dampier to Bunbury gas pipeline through to Collie has been drafted by Nationals candidate for Collie-Preston Monique Warnock.

Ms Warnock said the extension could be funded from the proceeds of the sale of Western Power and it would boost infrastructure, education and support local employment.

She said while coal would always be a part of Collie, other avenues for economic growth needed to be invested in.

“An affordable and efficient local energy source, provided by natural gas, could attract industry to the region, making developments like the Shotts Industrial Park more viable and provide an alternative heating option for Collie homes,” she said.

“For regional residents living at the end of long feeder lines, this additional investment will allow us to deliver edge-of-grid energy solutions such as microgrids.

“This will vastly improve outcomes for families and businesses who have struggled with an intermittent and unreliable power supply.”

She said a $3 billion Next Generation Account would deliver funding to priority areas for the State, including Collie.

The State Government puts more money into Western Power each year than it receives, she said.

Collie Shire Council president Wayne Sanford said the council supported the industrial use of gas and saw it as an opportunity to preserve the town’s economy.

He said extending the gas pipeline would value add to other industries and employment in Collie.

“Bringing gas through Shotts Industrial Park would further diversify the economy and it is important to recognise that gas is not an alternative to coal but an opportunity to bring in other industry,” Mr Sanford said.

Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said he did not support the sale of Western Power.

“When you put the provision of basic services in the hands of private businesses that are only seeking profit you are asking for trouble,” he said.