14 December 2022

Hello

Our names are Ken Yamamura & Morné Engelbrecht, and we are the CEOs of Mitsui E&P Australia (MEPAU) & Beach Energy respectively. We are working to deliver the Waitsia Gas Project Stage 2 near Dongara.

You may have seen in the news that our contractor for the Waitsia Project, Clough, was placed into voluntary administration on 5 December 2022. Deloitte Australia has been appointed to manage the administration and we have been working closely with them to ensure the Waitsia Project continues.

Firstly, we’d like to reassure you that MEPAU and Beach are committed to delivering the Waitsia Project. This means that we are standing by the workers, subcontractors and the many local businesses who support the Waitsia Project.

We have heard the stories about how some local businesses supporting this project have either been paid late, or have not yet been paid at all by Clough for their work. Let us say that this is simply not good enough. That is why we are taking appropriate steps to ensure businesses who are owed money receive payment. If you are providing services in the future, you have our assurances that you can do so with the confidence that you will be paid for your work.

The same is said for the hard-working team on the Waitsia site. We have reached an agreement with the administrators to ensure you continue to be paid. These payments have been our priority since the administrators were appointed on 5 December 2022. We have seen great work and progress since construction began. You have delivered an outstanding job, thank you. Please keep working with us on this important project and celebrate together as milestones are reached. There’s a place for you on the project, and we will be with you every step of the way.

We have been part of the Mid West community for a long time, and we will be there for a long time to come. We have been delivering benefits by supporting local businesses, sponsoring local initiatives and organisations, and participating in great community events that make the Mid West a special place to live and work. Our Mid West Community Grants are currently open for applications, and we encourage you to apply if you are interested.

As you read this, work is continuing on the Waitsia Project and that will not change. MEPAU and Beach will continue to work together with the site teams, contractors, and the community to ensure the Waitsia Project proceeds to completion.

If you have any questions, please contact waitsiainfo@mepau.com.au and direct your enquiries to:

• Businesses/supply chain enquiries: Simon Harman, Head of Supply Chain
• Workforce enquiries: Matt Hoffmann, Head of Human Resources

We remain grateful for your continued support.

Ken Yamamura
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
Mitsui E&P Australia

Morné Engelbrecht
Chief Executive Officer
Beach Energy

Download the PDF version: An Open Letter to the Mid West Community & Waitsia Gas Project Stage 2 workers and subcontractors