Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt welcomed the announcement by Cooper Energy of its $55 million investment in the Minerva gas plant as a great show of confidence in the industry.

Minister Pitt said the announcement was particularly important given the current global COVID-19 pandemic.

“I congratulate Cooper Energy on making this significant commitment to upgrade the Minerva plant near Port Campbell, Victoria that it jointly holds with the Mitsui Group,” Minister Pitt said.

“Importantly, the investment will support more local jobs and new gas supply for Australia’s south-east.

“It’s an example of how the gas sector is continuing to deliver across Australia and while no sector has been immune to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resources industry continued to be a major contributor to the national economy.

“The industry has gone to great lengths to keep workers and communities safe to remain operating through the current pandemic.

“The Coalition Government strongly backs our mining and resources sector and the announcement from Cooper Energy today should give Australians confidence that the sector will lead the Australia to economic recovery.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt's office 02 6277 7180