Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) Yes.

(2) The Minister with portfolio responsibilities for resources and energy, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, the Minister for Resources and Energy is aware that the Sunrise joint venture has selected floating LNG as the preferred development option for the greater Sunrise gas fields rather than alternative development options including a pipeline to an onshore processing plant in Darwin or a pipeline to an onshore processing plant in East Timor.

(3) The Minister with portfolio responsibilities for resources and energy, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, the Minister for Resources and Energy is aware that on 21 February 2011, the then CEO of Woodside, Mr Don Voelte stated that "floating LNG .... delivers the best value to our shareholders and the best revenue to the Australian and Timor Leste governments. Timor Leste would receive $13 billion for its 18.1 per cent share of the resources that includes an upwards adjustment from approximately $6 billion due to revenue sharing agreed under the 2007 [Certain Maritime Arrangements in the Timor Sea] CMATS treaty. Australia would receive $19 billion for its 81.9 per cent share of the resources”.

(4) (a) to (d) The WA Government is still finalising the draft strategic assessment report and Plan for the Browse LNG Precinct. Once finalised and submitted to the Minister for consideration, he will determine whether the proponent has adequately addressed the strategic assessment terms of reference and endorsement criteria. The Minister's decision on whether or not to endorse the plan for the proposed precinct will only be made following the review of all the information required.

(5) (a) to (d) The strategic assessment terms of reference requires an analysis of technically and economically viable alternatives, including those outside the Kimberley. It is the responsibility of the WA Government to ensure feasible alternatives have been explored. The final strategic assessment report must adequately address the strategic assessment terms of reference and endorsement criteria. The Minister's decision will be whether to endorse the Plan for the site presented to him by the WA Government.

(6) (a) As in (5a - d) above.

(b) (i) The WA Government are still finalising the draft strategic assessment report and Plan. Once finalised and submitted to the Minister for consideration, he will determine whether the proponent has adequately addressed the strategic assessment terms of reference and endorsement criteria; including the principles of ecologically sustainable development. The Minister's decision on whether or not to endorse the plan for the proposed precinct will only be made following the review of all information required. This must include consideration of potential impacts on National Heritage values where relevant.

(ii) No.

(7) The WA Government are still finalising the draft strategic assessment report and Plan. The Minister will only make a final decision on whether or not to approve the proposed precinct once all environmental matters relevant to the terms of reference have been appropriately examined and understood.