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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2008-11-25 Daily Xml
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PETROLEUM EXPLORATION

The Hon. M. PARNELL (14:58): I have a supplementary question. Given the success of the gas discoveries that the minister has outlined, why is the government supporting coal to liquids projects which are known to be far dirtier in greenhouse terms than regular oil and gas?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (14:59): I think it is stretching the point to say that that is a supplementary question but, nevertheless, I am happy to answer. In relation to the announcement that was made last week in relation to Linc Energy, that company, at this stage, has exploration licences in the Arckaringa Basin. It is investigating various options but, until that company completes its exploration, I think it is premature to provide too much detail as to exactly what that company will advance. This government certainly permits and encourages exploration in the state so that the state's resources can be identified, but any exploitation of those resources will be subject to appropriate and stringent environmental controls.

I think it is much too early at this stage to draw conclusions in relation to any of those proposals of exploitation of this state’s not inconsiderable coal resources. However, it is pleasing that this state has a number of resources, other than conventional hydrocarbons. In particular, we have hot rocks in abundance, and a significant proportion of this state’s renewable energies is, in particular, wind and solar.

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