Project expansion a major vote of confidence in Western Australia: Premier

10/06/05
Western Australia is proving once again to be the nation's economic powerhouse with today's announcement that the North West Shelf Venture's onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Karratha will be further expanded.
Premier Geoff Gallop welcomed the announcement made by Woodside Energy on behalf of the venture, saying construction of the $2billion LNG Train Five facility would be a significant boost to the Pilbara region and both the WA and national economies.
"This is a major vote of confidence in WA and in the Gallop Labor Government's capacity to manage WA's economy during one of the greatest periods of economic growth and improvement in people's lifestyles that this State has seen," Dr Gallop said.
"The project has the capacity to create more than 1,000 jobs at peak construction, with royalties to the State estimated to be $68million per annum once the project is operating at full production.
"The project is also expected to raise WA exports by at least $1billion per annum."
The Premier said the announcement strengthened WA's position as the energy capital of the region and followed other major projects developed since 2001 including:

• the record $25billion LNG deal with China;
• approval and construction of the fourth LNG train by Woodside; and
• in-principle approval for the $11billion Gorgon project.