Hancock Energy is positioning itself between two proposed gas precincts to develop an $850 million processing plant in the Mid West Shire of Mingenew.
The plant is expected to produce 210 terajoules of gas per day, supplying 15% to 20% of Western Australia's demand, according to planning documents.
The development application also suggests the potential to link Belisama with Hancock’s other major interests in the region.
The company acquired the Lockyer Gas Project from Mineral Resources in a $1.1 billion deal in late 2024 and submitted revised plans to the State Development Assessment Unit at the end of 2025.
While Lockyer had previously received state approval, Hancock proposes moving the plant about 20km south to a farming property it owns, closer to Strike Energy’s West Erregulla Project, where Hancock holds a 50% stake.
Plans to connect West Erregulla and Belisama are "not currently being progressed" but were "considered" in the new plant’s design.
Consultants Planning Solutions said the new site would have lower social and environmental impacts than the original Lockyer location. Hancock aims to make a final investment decision before September.
The Australian Energy Market Operator forecasts a 7% gas shortfall in WA by 2028, lower than earlier projections, noting new supply must come online faster or export production may be redirected to local customers.
Gas demand is expected to peak in 2030 and then decline, as the state moves toward net zero.