Western Australia Minister for Energy Peter Collier

Extra time to comment on State’s energy future

Victor P Taffa

The public and interested stakeholders have been given more time to help shape Western Australia’s energy future.

Energy Minister Peter Collier has extended the comment period for the Strategic Energy Initiative (SEI) Issues Paper, Energy 2030, with submissions being accepted for a further two weeks.

“There has been an overwhelming response from the public and interested stakeholders alike, all keen to comment on meeting WA’s future energy needs.” Mr. Collier said.

“The SEI will provide a co-ordinated direction for the State’s energy sector during the next 20 years.”

“It will recommend a range of initiatives for the short, medium and longer terms to guide Government, policy makers and stakeholders in achieving the State’s strategic energy goals.”

“This includes ensuring secure, reliable and competitive energy, and delivering a cleaner energy future through the development of renewable energy supplies, while meeting our support for the national target of 20 % renewable energy by 2020.”

Comment is sought on the wide-ranging issues based on the SEI’s four strategic goals, with extensive consultation being an important focus in the development of Energy 2030.

Written submissions on the issues paper will be accepted until March 12, before a draft Directions Paper is released in April.

The Strategic Energy Initiative is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.

A copy of the issues paper is available on the Office of Energy website at http://www.energy.wa.gov.au or by contacting 9420 5600.