The Nationals WA: Community concerns grow over planned Albany gas network phase-out

The Member for Albany, Scott Leary MLA, says significant concerns are emerging across the Albany community following confirmation from ATCO that the reticulated gas network will be progressively decommissioned over the next three years.

Mr Leary has now spoken directly with ATCO representatives and been formally briefed on the company’s plans. ATCO has advised that it intends to invest a significant amount over the transition period to ensure customers are not suddenly cut off from the network and that the process will be staged over several years.

ATCO has also stated it will work with the Western Australian Government to develop transition support for affected customers.

However, Mr Leary said he was advised that formal engagement with the State Government on the detail of that support has not yet occurred, despite the public announcement already being made.

“This announcement has understandably caused anxiety in the community,” Mr Leary said.

“While ATCO has given assurances that customers won’t be suddenly disconnected, many people are now asking very real questions about what this transition will actually look like on the ground.”

Mr Leary said particular concern had been raised by aged care providers, restaurants and other commercial and community facilities, where a transition to bottled gas may not be straightforward or, in some cases, may not be logistically possible without significant cost or infrastructure changes.

“I have already been contacted by aged care homes who are deeply concerned about how they can safely and reliably replace a reticulated gas supply,” he said.

“These facilities operate under strict safety, fire, planning and access requirements. What might be workable for a standalone household is not necessarily workable for an aged care facility, a commercial kitchen or a large site.”

Mr Leary also said the City of Albany and local government stakeholders were blindsided by the announcement, with no prior briefing before it was made public.

“That lack of early engagement with local government is disappointing, particularly given the scale of this change and its potential impact on essential services and the local economy.”

Mr Leary welcomed ATCO’s commitment to maintain safety and reliability during the transition but said clear answers and formal government involvement are urgently needed.

“ATCO has indicated it will work with the WA Government to provide transition support, but that work needs to begin immediately,” he said.

“The community needs clarity around who pays for infrastructure changes, what support will be available and how vulnerable services like aged care will be protected.”

Mr Leary said he would continue engaging with ATCO, the State Government and local stakeholders to ensure Albany’s interests are properly represented and that no essential services are put at risk during the transition.

“This process must be done properly, transparently and with the community – not to the community,” he said.