At the APIA Perth lunch last year, Premier Barnett opened his speech with the words ‘I love pipelines’, so we wonder what has altered his affection for this industry,” APIA Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright told The Australian Pipeliner.

“It’s almost inconceivable that he could suggest that not only is shipping gas less expensive, but also that it’s ‘cleaner’ when it comes to carbon emissions.”

Premier Barnett made his comments in a recent interview with ABC Radio National. In a discussion about the importance of natural gas as a replacement for coal for power generation, he said that building new LNG facilities and transporting the gas via ship caused fewer CO2 emissions and was less expensive than transporting the gas via pipeline.

“Such comments from a politician of Mr Barnett’s standing are inexplicable,” Ms Cartwright said. “One LNG facility produces ten times more CO2 emissions than the whole of Australia’s gas pipeline infrastructure and, while the construction costs might be similar, the ongoing costs of running a transmission pipeline would be far lower than the ongoing costs of treatment and shipping the gas.”

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It has been pointed out that the Western Australian Government recently considered establishing an LNG receiving terminal in Perth but shelved the idea because of cost.

“Rather than cheap shots at the pipeline industry, Premier Barnett should focus on ensuring appropriate levels of natural gas are provided to his own state,” Ms Cartwright said.

“I will be meeting with the head of the Premier’s Department some time before APIA’s Annual Convention and hope he will be able to provide an explanation.”