Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt has visited major gas projects in north Western Australia and praised the industry for continuing to supply markets at home and abroad throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister Pitt visited the Woodside-operated Pluto and Karratha gas plants, and the Yara Pilbara Fertiliser plant.

“I am delighted to visit some of Australia’s critically important world-class infrastructure and to show my support for an industry that is providing energy to Australia and the world,” Minister Pitt said.

“The Karratha and Pluto Gas Plants and their associated offshore infrastructure have secured Western Australia’s energy needs and have acted as incredible wealth generators for the state and the nation.

“Even with a global pandemic and a drop in the oil price, Australia exported 78.3 million tonnes of LNG earning $36 billion in 2020, and we expect this to grow as the global economy recovers.

“Global gas demand is forecast to grow by 1.5 per cent on average per year out to 2025, providing incentive to ensure our large gas fields like Scarborough and Browse are developed as soon as possible.

“Australia’s large upcoming offshore gas developments such as the Scarborough, Browse and the Barossa projects will create thousands of new high-wage jobs, including nearly 5000 jobs during construction and more than 1000 operational jobs.

“Australia is ready to capitalise on the expected growth in global gas demand driven by Asian economies.

“The use of Carbon Capture and Storage as a critical enabler of emerging energy technologies.

“I am pleased to note that Tuesday’s budget committed $263.7 million over 10 years to fund the CCUS Hubs and Technology Program, building on the $50 million previously announced in the CCUS Development Fund.”

Minister Pitt said the Yara Pilbara plant was a great example of using gas to add value to valuable commodities for farmers and the resources industry.

The Yara plant uses natural gas in the production of fertiliser ammonia, and the further processing into Ammonium Nitrate for use in the mining industry.

“The Yara Pilbara facilities are a great example of downstream uses of natural gas, with the company exporting fertiliser to help grow crops and feed the world from the nearby Port of Dampier,” Minister Pitt said.

Media contact:

Minister Pitt's office 02 6277 7180