The federal government faces union pressure to set up a domestic gas reserve.

The West Australian branch of the Australian Workers' Union (AWU) has put forward a resolution for the union's national conference on the Gold Coast, which started on Monday, calling on the government to roll out a domestic gas reservation policy.

The motion, which is expected to pass in coming days, endorses AWU boss Paul Howes to initiate a lobbying campaign.

"Australia's gas policy should aim to moderate energy costs both through a retention of gas supply for domestic use, as well as a focus on expansion of new supply in both natural and coal seam gas," the motion reads.

It says Australia's energy wealth is being exported for a "narrow financial benefit to very few direct beneficiaries", but should have broader benefits.

The union will also call on the NSW government to "reduce red tape and existing barriers to the extraction of coal seam gas in NSW".