Thursday, 19 September 2013

• New Wheatstone Project contracts create more than 600 local jobs
• Further $10billion in resources contracts awarded to WA-based businesses
• State Government makes local industry participation a priority

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin today congratulated companies recently awarded contracts on the $29billion Chevron-operated Wheatstone Project.

“It’s expected that 628 jobs will be created under the eight new contracts, for work mostly based in Perth or onsite in the Pilbara region,” Mr Mischin said.

“Since the project began in 2011, Wheatstone has generated more than 4,000 jobs and injected more than $10billion into contracts and purchase orders with local businesses.

“There are other flow-on benefits to both the local and State economies that will result from the contracts, and more jobs will be created indirectly.”

The Minister said Chevron and its primary contractor Bechtel had shown commitment to supporting the growth of the communities in which they operated.

He said since the State Government’s Local Industry Participation Framework initiative was launched in July 2011, about $53billion in publicly announced contracts have been won by local businesses.

Of this $53billion, $10billion has been awarded since the Government’s May Local Content report tabled in State Parliament this year.

“The initiative has been a resounding success with more than 188,000 jobs created for West Australians since it was introduced,” Mr Mischin said.

“Although we are witnessing the transition from construction to operational phases across a number of resources projects, the flow of resources-based contracts and orders into our economy is still strong.

“The Government will continue to work closely with project leaders to maximise opportunities for WA-based companies to win work on major contracts.

Fact File

• In the period from October 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013, Chevron reported 68% local content level the Wheatstone Project
• To find out what the State Government is doing to support local industry participation, visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au

• ATCO Structures & Logistics - design, manufacture, transport and install 357 modular units - $100million; 137 jobs
• DBP Development Group (DDG) - build, own and operate domestic gas pipeline - $95million; 160 jobs
• Ertech - road and earthworks for the construction village - $7.6million; 20 jobs
• Kiewit Ertech Joint Venture - general construction services - $296million; 200 jobs
• McConnell Dowell - construction of Quick Mud Creek Bridge - $17million; 50 jobs
• PSS Group - detailed surveying - $2million; four jobs
• WA Limestone - granite rock supply - $40million; 17 jobs
• Zinfra - design and construct a high voltage power cable system - $30million; 40 jobs