PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Queensland State Development and Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham has turned the first sod at the A$800-million Northern gas pipeline.
The 622-km pipeline, being developed by Jemena, will link Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory to Mount Isa, in Queensland, with first gas expected to flow in 2018.
“This pipeline project is already filling pay packets in North Queensland, with more than 200 Queenslanders employed by Jemena to date, and 26 contracts awarded to companies in Queensland, with half of these contracts in the Mount Isa region,” Lynham said.
“I am particularly pleased to see Jemena’s focus on hiring local people, including local indigenous people, through training and employment programmes delivered in partnership with a local indigenous training organisation.
“As well, accessible, affordable gas is critical as a feedstock for manufacturers and as an energy source. That’s why our government has supported this project from the start, and that’s why I personally met with the Northern Territory government advocating for the pipeline to come to Queensland.”
Lynham meanwhile welcomed news that Jemena was looking to continue the pipeline from Mount Isa to the Wallumbilla gas hub in the south-west.
“This means more jobs for Queenslanders in construction,” he said.
“The pipeline extension under investigation will help connect gasfields in the Northern Territory to the east coast market, adding to supply to help ease current supply concerns,” he said.
Edited by: Mariaan Webb
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online
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