Ichthys helps build bright future for the Territory

The economic stimulus created by the Ichthys LNG Project will result in an expansion of the Australian and Northern Territory economies, and greater opportunities for business and employment.

INPEX General Manager External Affairs and Joint Venture Bill Townsend said INPEX is working closely with the Northern Territory business community in particular to raise awareness about the prequalification process.

“We want to make sure as many local companies as possible are eligible to win contracts,” Mr Townsend said.

Businesses seeking contracts with the onshore component of the project need to undergo evaluation by the Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) contractor.

“The EPC contractor will manage the construction of the gas plant and facilities, including the Howard Springs Accommodation Village that will house the Project’s fly-in fly-out workforce. We estimate that approximately 20% of the workforce will be sourced locally from Darwin, with that proportion increasing over time as capacity builds through construction into operation.”

To encourage the participation of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the Project donated $3 million to the traditional owners, the Larrakia people. This money was used to build a trade training centre that is increasing the pool of skilled Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers across northern Australia.

Since it opened in April 2011, more than 300 trainees have enrolled in a wide range of construction, mechanical and electrical trades.  Students also receive leadership training, undertake numeracy and literacy classes, and support for their transition into meaningful employment.

A second donation of $3 million has been made toward Charles Darwin University’s new North Australian Centre for Oil and Gas, which will become only Australia’s second provider of high-end, specialist oil and gas training and qualifications.

“Students in the Territory today now have the option to pursue a range of careers through training in Darwin where once they had to move away to other cities. They will also be able to establish careers in the construction and petroleum industries at home.”

Economic modelling indicates the Project will have a significant positive impact on the Northern Territory economy, contributing on average almost 18% to the gross state product during each year of the estimated Project.