The Australian Pipeline and Gas Association (APGA) welcomes the Federal Opposition’s commitment to the role of gas in the Australia’s journey to an affordable and achievable net zero, and implores bipartisanship with the Federal Government to ensure households and industry can continue the transition with confidence.
Australia’s two major parties understand the importance of natural gas in the necessary but difficult transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future. This is a major step toward consensus that helps ensure policy certainty. It is fundamental to note that natural gas does not work in opposition to renewables, it works in tandem with them to deliver low-cost, low-carbon, firm electricity, as has been demonstrated all over the world, as well as to provide energy for heating applications in Australia’s homes, businesses, and throughout industry.
APGA welcomes the Opposition’s recognition of the importance of gas infrastructure through the proposed reinstatement of the National Gas Infrastructure Plan, with pipeline and gas network operators committed to delivering natural gas today, and increasingly renewable gases into the future, to help lower emissions.
The enduring importance of gas is broadly acknowledged by AEMO, the Federal Government and the Federal Opposition but the market operator has repeatedly warned that Australia’s gas outlook is deteriorating. If this situation continues to worsen, it is Australian households, businesses and the economy that will pay the price.
APGA chief executive Steve Davies says it’s time for parties to put aside their differences and work together to deliver the critical action required that ensures adequate gas supply in the short, medium, and long terms.
“Without a sufficient supply of natural gas to support domestic households and industry, Australia is risking making it significantly harder for itself to achieve what is an already challenging transition,” Mr Davies said.
“The vast majority of the community understand and support the role of gas. It is vital to deliver commonsense reforms that make the journey to net zero easier and lower cost than it otherwise would be.”
“If we don’t make it simple and affordable for Australians to lower emissions, we risk losing the social license and undoing the decarbonisation work that has already occurred – which is the worst possible outcome.”
About
The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) represents the owners, operators, designers, constructors, and service providers of Australia’s pipeline infrastructure, connecting natural and renewable gas production to demand centres in cities and other locations across Australia. Our members offer a wide range of services to gas users, retailers and producers and ensure the safe and reliable delivery of 28 per cent of the end-use energy consumed in Australia.
Contact
For further information or the opportunity to engage with Mr Steve Davies please contact:
Paul Purcell
Corporate Affairs Manager
0422 247 750