The Western Australian government will invest an additional AU$21 million in a community support package to assist Albany residents and small businesses transitioning away from the gas network following ATCO’s decision to exit the local market.
Building on a previously committed AU$10.8 million funding injection, the new package directly addresses ATCO’s planned retirement of the regional LPG pipeline system.
Under the fresh package, approximately AU$16 million will be allocated to assist more than 6,000 households and small businesses.
Impacted consumers can access funding to cover standard LPG bottle installations, estimated at around AU$1,600 per customer, or reallocate the financial support toward purchasing electric appliances.
The government will provide case-by-case assistance for older or complex properties facing higher conversion expenses.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson emphasised that the government is ensuring local consumers remain protected.
“We’ve worked closely with the community for months to deliver the best possible result for Albany – securing delays to the decommissioning process, funding for social housing, and establishing a working group to guide the transition,” the minister said.
“Today’s announcement of a significant funding package is the culmination of this work – a solution which will support thousands of homes and businesses to transition to an energy option that is right for them.”
The broader transition initiative has received financial backing from network operator ATCO, which has committed a voluntary AI$5.5 million contribution.
ATCO Australia CEO John Ivulich noted that despite investing nearly AU$50 million in the local network since 2011, the LPG reticulation system’s age and safety profile made it unviable over the long term.
To safeguard regional economic capacity, a detailed Trade Capacity Assessment is currently underway to ensure sufficient local tradespeople are available across the three-year transition period.
Additionally, commercial gas users will receive free energy audits to determine tailored transition strategies, with further business support details expected later this year.
Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby and Albany Mayor Greg Stocks welcomed the package, noting that community advocacy secured key outcomes, including delaying network decommissioning until 2027 and providing dedicated funding for social housing properties.
