Minister Opens Major New LNG Industry Conference in Perth

Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Norman Moore joined speakers from gas industry leaders, including Shell, Woodside and GE Oil & Gas, yesterday for the opening of the Australian Gas Technology Conference & Exhibition (AGT) in Perth.

Minister Moore delivered a keynote address at the major new event focusing on Australia’s $200 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre at 9am, kicking off three huge days of activity exploring the latest innovations, technology and challenges connected with Australia’s gas industry.

With a theme of ‘Unlocking Australia’s gas potential’, the conference will feature complementary technical and commercial streams with other keynote speakers including Shell Australia’s Ann Pickard and GE Oil & Gas’ David Leslie.

Described by Fortune Magazine as the bravest woman in oil and one of the 50 most powerful women in business, Ms Pickard is Country Chair, Shell in Australia and Executive Vice President, Upstream Australia, while Mr Leslie is Regional Executive for GE Oil & Gas.

“With more than $200 billion worth of LNG projects in the pipeline and Australia poised to challenge Qatar as the world’s largest LNG producer within the next decade, there has never been a more exciting or challenging time for Australia’s gas industry,” said Bill Hare, AGT Event Director.

“AGT will delve into this industry like no other event, addressing the technical challenges and opportunities, innovation and resourcing issues in unlocking this great potential.”

With conference streams dedicated to gas technology, skills and sourcing and CO2 and geosequestration, the opening day of AGT also featured presentations from Vice President of Woodside’s Australia Oil, Mary Hackett, Woodside’s Chief Science & Technology Manager, Neil Kavanagh and Orbit Energy’s Managing Director, Derick Markwell.

Away from the conference rooms, the AGT Exhibition will throw the spotlight on innovations, technology and services from more than 120 exhibitors, including industry leaders such as GE Oil & Gas, John Holland, AGC, Sika Australia, Dialight ILS Australia, Weir Oil & Gas, Johnson Screens and Pendoley Environmental.

Western Australia’s only gas technology event will also address the current industry skills shortage and encourage the next generation to pursue a career in the gas industry with its Careers and Training seminar program.

Tertiary, TAFE and indigenous students and jobseekers will have the opportunity to hear free presentations, learn career pathways and have face-to-face time with major gas employers and training bodies.  The Careers & Training Lounge is being hosted by The Resource Channel.

Launched by the organisers of the Australasian Oil & Gas Exhibition & Conference (AOG), AGT is a unique event for Australia’s gas industry taking place from 25-27 July 2012.  More than 1200 people attended on Day 1.

For full program details visit www.agtexpo.com.au