WA Premier Mark McGowan speaking at the Groundbreaking event
MEPAU recently celebrated the Groundbreaking ceremony for Waitsia Gas Project Stage 2.
Premier Mark McGowan joined the CEOs of MEPAU, Beach Energy and Clough together with Southern Yamatji Traditional Owners to officially launch the construction project and turn the first soil at the site of the Waitsia Gas Plant.
Local businesses are set to benefit from Waitsia Stage 2, with 200 jobs to be created during the construction phase and an expected expenditure in the local area of $15 million per year during the operations phase.
Locally owned indigenous company Gnarla Barna Civil & Mining was recently awarded the bulk earthworks contract, and further local works packages will be announced as the construction phase ramps up.
MEPAU Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ken Yamamura, says the support of local farmers and landholders is vital to the success of the project.
Landowners: Geoff Whitmarsh, Craig Forsyth, Peter Kupsch and Mark Watson
with the Honourable Mark McGowan MLA, Premier of Western Australia (centre).
Ken Yamamura, said, “Mitsui E&P Australia, together with our Joint Venture Partner Beach Energy and Yamatji traditional owners, are proud to officially launch construction of the Waitsia Gas Project Stage 2. This project will continue to unlock significant economic opportunities for the Mid West region and Western Australia.”
Production from Waitsia Stage 2 is expected to commence in the 2nd half of 2023.
Natural gas from Stage 2 will supply both domestic and the international market.
Guest VIPs:
Masa Ishikawa (Director & Chief Operating Officer, MEPAU),
Ken Yamamura (Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, MEPAU),
Sam Walsh (Director, Mitsui & Co. Ltd. Japan),
Noel Taylor Junior (Southern Yamatji Traditional Owner),
Noel Taylor (Southern Yamatji Traditional Owner and Senior Leader),
The Honourable Mark McGowan MLA (Premier of Western Australia),
Toru Suzuki (Consul-General of Japan in Perth),
Matt Kay (Managing Director and CEO, Beach Energy),
Joanne Fabling (CEO, Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry),
Peter Bennett (CEO and Managing Director, Clough).
