Public ask questions of gas drilling

Extensive approval processes and regulations are required for gas exploration in WA, according to the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum executive director petroleum division Jeff Haworth.

Mr Haworth was invited down to the South West by the Capel Shire Council to inform the public about gas exploration at a forum held in the community centre on Tuesday.

Mr Haworth said the Shale and Tight Gas Regulatory Framework document released last year was signed off by nine government departments and was a key element in protecting the State’s natural resources.

As a geologist he did not “have a lot of hope” that any type of gas would be found in the South West.

“There have been 22-odd wells drilled down here and there has only been one that has been successful and that is Witcher Range, all the others have failed,” he said.

“However, the area is fairly under-explored where Bunbury Energy is looking, so they may find something down there and where they are looking there has been no holes drilled.”

Capel shire chief executive officer Paul Sheedy said the forum was a great opportunity for people to talk with government agencies like the Department of Mines and Petroleum and environmental interest groups.

“It far exceeded our expectations,” he said.

“We were thinking we would get about 50 to 70 people attend, but there was over 160 people who took the opportunity to chat to the companies involved in gas exploration.

“Misinformation on unconventional gas exploration and fracking is causing some issues and with clarification we can make sure the community is better informed. We were pleased people took the chance to come down and chat to a range of organisations involved.”

Mr Sheedy said the council would look at surveying the community to keep communication open and transparent.