Official opening of $450M Pilbara to Goldfields gas pipeline October 4

17/9/96

Premier Richard Court will officially open the $450 million Pilbara to Goldfields gas pipeline on October 4, 1996.

"This 1,400-kilometre gas pipeline is one of the most significant inland infrastructure projects in Australia this century and will propel the State into a new generation of economic development creating thousands of new jobs in value adding industries," Mr Court said.

The Premier said the privately built and operated Pilbara to Goldfields gas pipeline was the cornerstone economic policy initiative which the Coalition promised prior to the last State election.

"As Leader of the Opposition, I launched the Coalition election campaign with the promise that in our first term of Government we would ensure that this major infrastructure project would be completed - that major commitment has been delivered," he said.

The project has been undertaken by the Goldfields Gas Transmission Joint Venture (GGTJV) - comprising WMC Resources, BHP Minerals and Gold Mines of Kalgoorlie.

"This project is significant for all Western Australians since the resources sector is the backbone of the State economy," Mr Court said.

"The gas pipeline will enable value adding of these resources on a major scale by making low cost energy available in the heart of Western Australia's major mineral deposits.

"Already, the availability of low cost gas in the Pilbara has contributed to the investment of over $1.5 billion by BHP in a new DRI plant and associated facilities.

"The low-cost gas which will now be made available in inland WA will also stimulate major investment in other new value adding industries.

"These new value adding industries will create thousands of new jobs both directly and indirectly for Western Australians throughout the State. Since the Coalition was elected more than 110,000 new jobs have been created in WA.

"New jobs will be created in the construction of these projects - the gas pipeline alone created over 1,000 jobs.

"The opening of this new gas pipeline is symbolic of the new era of economic activity based on quality high investment new industries which create many new career opportunities for Western Australians."

Media contact: Casey Cahill 222 9475