The WA Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA), WA's business chamber for sustainable energy industries, congratulates Colin Barnet and his team on winning support from the National Party that will deliver a new Liberal Government for Western Australia.

Nationals leader, Brendon Grylls, has announced today that the National Party would use its balance of power in the Legislative Assembly to support a Liberal Government in Western Australia.

"The Liberal Party has made significant election commitments that will deliver substantial new initiatives for sustainable energy," says Dr Ray Wills, Chief Executive of WA SEA.

"Mr Barnet has said a Liberal Government will encourage and support the development and uptake of renewable energy sources including wind, solar, geothermal and wave and tidal power, and deliver significant new public transport initiatives increasing the accessibility and attractiveness of public transport."

"In particular Mr Barnett has committed to delivering a broad-based feed in tariff on renewable energy for domestic customers and also to examine options for extending the scheme to small business and commercial premises," says Dr Wills.

"Ramping up use of Western Australia's massive renewable energy resources will actually diversify the economy and create a more robust environment for business. And these opportunities are principally in regional Western Australia, and so will be developments that supports the alliance with the National Party by producing greater investment in regional WA, and better outcomes for communities in the bush."

"Building our renewable energy base improves energy supply diversity and thus security, provides new opportunities for business and employment, and grows WA's industry base - these are all good business outcomes and will help build a more sustainable economy."

"Colin Barnet also committed a Liberal Government to a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy covering each major sector of Western Australian industry as well as urban planning agencies and state water and energy utilities," says Dr Wills.

"We look forward to working with Colin Barnett and his new Ministers as a Liberal Government implements measures in concert with Mr Grylls and the National Party that will help deliver a more sustainable economy for all Western Australians across all regions," says Dr Wills.


WA Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA) Media Release - 14 September 2008

Media Contact:
Dr Ray Wills 0430 365 607

Editors notes:
1. The Western Australian Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA) is a chamber of businesses variously promoting, developing and/or adopting sustainable energy technologies and services that minimise the use of energy through sustainable energy practices and maximise the use of energy from sustainable sources. WA SEA is supported by a growing membership of 190 industry members from a diversity of businesses. www.wasea.com.au.