WA to increase job opportunities in LNG sector

Western Australia (WA) has announced plans to increase employment in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector.

The company will set up a dedicated team to focus solely on job creation. The plan was announced by WA Premier Mark McGowan at the 2018 Australasian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference.

The move aims to develop WA into a global LNG hub, opening up positions to service, maintain and improve existing operations.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said: “WA jobs are my number one priority, and the creation of this jobs taskforce will make sure we build on our existing LNG industry to create more long-term local jobs.

“Australia is set to have the world’s largest LNG export capacity by mid-2018, surpassing Qatar, so now is the time for our state to act and become a global hub.

“As we build on our existing LNG operations, courses could be provided by education and training providers that align with the needs of industry, ensuring young Western Australians get the skills required for future job opportunities.”

WA’s team will comprise representatives from both industry and the government.

The state’s LNG volumes have registered a growth of 84% in the past five years, while LNG sales contributed A$12.7bn ($9.99bn) between 2016 and 2017.

It is expected that WA will increase its share of the nation’s LNG export capacity to around 57% by the end of this year.