Inpex Chooses Darwin - Securing the Territory's Future
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Inpex Chooses Darwin - Securing the Territory's Future
In the biggest boost to the economy in the Territorys history - Darwin has been chosen as the onshore site for the Inpex gas plant part of the Ichthys development which is worth more than $US20 Billion ($A23B). Inpex President Mr Naoki Kuroda made the announcement with Chief Minister Paul Henderson and Federal Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson in Darwin today. Mr Henderson said this project will be the largest single private sector investment in Australias history. "The Inpex Gas Plant will help secure our economic future for decades to come this means thousands of jobs and careers for Territorians," Mr Henderson said. "This is a proud day for my Government the NT started as underdogs but through hard work and determination weve been able to win this valuable project. "This delivers on a core commitment of the Government to broaden our economic base to secure the economic future of the Territory. "In the construction phase alone there will be up to 2000 jobs and about 300 jobs when the gas plant gets up and running. "Well work with Inpex and the NT Industry Capability Network to make sure many of those jobs and contracts go to locals. This includes workshops to help businesses to identify opportunities. "This project is about protecting our economy, and also protecting our environment. "Inpex must go through a thorough and rigorous environmental assessment process. "The company will have to submit an Environmental Impact Statement there will be 8 weeks for public comment twice as long as required under the Act. "LNG is also a cleaner alternative to coal at a time when the biggest environmental issue facing the planet is greenhouse gas emissions - its carbon footprint is about 40 per cent less than other fossil fuels. "If the project meets the tough environmental criteria, construction of the gas plant could begin in 2010 and the first exports start in late 2014 or early 2015. "This project provides many opportunities and some challenges and the NT Government has been planning for the potential impacts. "The recently established Territory Growth Planning Unit will work across Government to make sure our community is ready. "The company will look at a range of accommodation options, including construction camps similar to the ones we saw for the first Darwin LNG project. "The NT Government has already committed to accelerate the release of up to 3700 new blocks of land at Palmerston and the Northern Suburbs. "Through the Power and Water Corporation, the Government is also investing $190 million to expand the capacity of essential services. "To ensure the Territory is job ready the Government is well on the way to training 10,000 new apprentices by 2010." For more information go to www.nt.gov.au/dcm/inpex
YouTube | October 21, 2008
