Major new oil, gas and energy body to boost Australian competitiveness

National Energy Resources Australia (NERA), a new oil, gas and energy industry body has been launched as part of the Federal Government’s $248 million Industry Growth Centres Initiative, at the 2016 Australasian Oil and Gas Conference in Perth.

Announced by the Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Growth Centre Chair Ken Fitzpatrick, NERA will use Federal funding to accelerate industry collaboration and innovation.

Former APPEA director Miranda Taylor has been confirmed as the inaugural CEO of NERA and is supported by a highly distinguished Board of Directors, including former Woodside Acting Chief Executive Officer Keith Spence, Deputy Chairman of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Erica Smyth and QCG Managing Director Tony Nunan. Ken Fitzpatrick has been appointed as Chair of NERA.

NERA will work to improve Australian energy generation through its industry connections and allocation of funding to a diverse variety of sectors, including oil and gas, coal and uranium, in addition to other related service industries.

Commenting on the launch of NERA Mr Fitzpatrick said: “Our mission is to improve competitiveness, collaboration and productivity by focussing on reducing costs directing research to industry needs, improving work skills, facilitating partnerships and reducing regulatory burden.”

“International demand for Australian resources remains strong. Currently this sector is forecast to generate $66 billion worth of export earnings from approximately 1,200 initiatives to create opportunities for collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing we aim to help improve productivity and competitiveness for the sector as a whole.

NERA will be co-headquartered in Perth, operating out of offices at the Western Australian Research Alliance and the Australian Resources Research Centre’s WA premises.

The new energy industry body has flagged further expansion plans with offices to be established in Brisbane and Adelaide.