Premier Roger Cook has today announced new laws designed to streamline and accelerate approvals for priority projects and development precincts in a move welcomed by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CME).
The proposed State Development Bill creates a framework for improved interagency coordination and the ability to mandate assessment timeframes for projects and areas of strategic significance.
CME Director Policy and Advocacy Anita Logiudice said continued growth of the WA economy relied heavily on private capital and the laws would help attract investment in the projects needed to decarbonise both WA and the broader region and diversify the State's industrial base.
"The global energy transition will reward the jurisdictions that move fastest to secure investment in the materials and technologies required to reach net zero," Ms Logiudice said.
"WA can and should be one of those jurisdictions - and these laws send a strong signal that the State is open for business and serious about establishing new future-facing industries such as critical minerals processing, green iron and hydrogen.
"The first step is putting in place the infrastructure needed to decarbonise our electricity grids, bring down energy prices and ensure access to well-located, turnkey industrial land.
"CME strongly supports the WA Government playing a bigger role coordinating approvals and consultation related to the State's energy transition, including transmission lines, low-emission energy projects and Strategic Industrial Areas.
Ms Logiudice said CME looked forward to working with government to understand the full implications of the Bill and ensure it delivered on its stated objectives of unlocking investment in major job-creating projects and precincts while maintaining transparency and WA's high ESG standards.
"We know we can get energy and resources projects off the ground faster without compromising on the integrity and rigour of the assessment process - and this Bill is an important step toward achieving that goal," Ms Logiudice said.
"Simply maintaining the international competitiveness of our existing industrial base relies heavily on securing access to low-emission, affordable and reliable electricity.
"More efficient approvals and strategic infrastructure planning are the starting point for both bringing down the cost of energy to safeguard existing jobs and attracting investment in the businesses of the future."
