Australia: Minister Says Marine Reserves Network Threatens LNG Industry

WA Fisheries and Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore said the Federal Government’s final Marine Reserves Network Proposal was a ‘dog’s breakfast’ that would hurt Western Australia’s economy.

Mr Moore said the proposal would severely curtail WA’s oil and gas industry and impinge on current and future petroleum exploration and production activities.

The minister said the proposal could impact on the security of domestic and LNG export energy supplies.

“In addition, it will affect the $62.8billion iron ore export industry due to restrictions on port and shipping access in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions,” he said.

“It remains unclear how today’s decision will affect rights already granted for all exploration within the new protected, and surrounding, areas,” he said.

[mappress]
LNG World News Staff, June 14, 2012