The state government's moratorium on fracking is the latest hurdle for onshore energy hopefuls in the Perth Basin, in an environment beset by low oil prices and a lack of confidence in capital markets.

The temporary ban, which was flagged prior to the March election and will remain in place while the government undertakes an independent scientific inquiry, was one factor behind the decision by Whitebark Energy, until recently known as Transerv Energy, to enter the Canadian market.

Transerv had been pursuing gas at the Warro field, 50 kilometres east of Jurien Bay, in an unconventional drilling campaign that met with mixed success, given joint venture partner Alcoa took a $52 million impairment on the project in January.

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