Gas incident

This website provides information and support for the Western Australian tourism and hospitality industry in response to the gas incident. This includes, energy saving initiatives, gas supply updates and useful links.

Background

As a result of an explosion at Apache Energy Varanus facility, Western Australia’s (WA) second-largest natural gas plant, the State is experiencing reduced gas supply of approximately 30 per cent.

The reduced gas supply has impacted many industries including tourism, specifically the accommodation sector. The current issue, particularly in Perth and the South West, is the availability of fresh linen supplies.

What is Tourism WA doing?

The WA Government, peak tourism bodies and the industry are working together to minimise disruption and economic impact during this period of reduced gas supply.

Tourism Western Australia is playing a key role in encouraging industry to reduce non-essential energy use and liaising with key decision-makers. Tourism WA has also modified its marketing campaigns to ensure that additional pressure is not placed on industry sectors and essential services that have been impacted by the gas incident.

In addition, a Gas Incident Tourism Communications Group has been established by Tourism Minister, Hon Sheila McHale MLA. The Group, through Tourism WA’s Chief Executive Officer, reports directly to the Gas Supply Disruption Recovery Committee established by the Premier to manage this issue for all industries across the State. The Group is working closely with accommodation providers and other parts of the tourism and hospitality industry, to:

• monitor the impact of the gas shortage on hotel and restaurant operations through regular collation of data from the sector in the form of an on-line survey
• devise strategies to manage and minimise the impact of the gas shortage on the sector
• receive information from, and provide information to, industry on the current status of the gas shortage, and
• devise strategies to manage the impact on the reputation of the industry both on a local, national and international basis in the immediate and longer term.

Simple industry initiatives to save energy

In the current climate of reduced gas supply, there has never been a better time for the tourism and hospitality industry to adapt its operating practices to consider environmental sustainability. 

Minimising our carbon footprint through the adoption of ‘green practices’ will play a fundamental role in the overall reduction of energy demand. It may also save your business money over the longer term.

For helpful tips on how you can reduce your energy demand and promote sustainable operational practices consider the advice provided in the sector specific pages.