A $50 million Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Plant in Mount Magnet is the first application to be determined under the Western Australian Government’s new planning laws which aim to cut red tape and provide immediate economic support through significant, job-creating projects.
The development was approved by the Western Australian Planning Commission yesterday and is anticipated to inject approximately $100 million of investment and create approximately 70 jobs during construction and 30 full-time jobs for local workers once operational, providing a boost to the State’s regional economy.
The LNG Plant will supply gas to customers in the Mid-West region, including the local mining sector, and is expected to substantially reduce carbon emissions by approximately 90,000 tonnes a year.
Construction will commence in coming months with the facility expected to be operational by mid-2021.
According to the State Government, since July, more than 45 proponents have expressed interest in the new assessment pathway including proposals in both metropolitan and regional areas with potential to attract thousands of jobs and over $3 billion of private investment to the State.
Premier Mark McGowan said the Government’s historic planning reforms aim to cut red tape, create local jobs and help drive economic activity following COVID-19.
“Once the legislation passed we moved to immediately set up the development application process to support significant, job-creating projects for the next 18 months to provide immediate support for Western Australia’s economic recovery,” he said.
“This marks a major milestone with the successful approval of the first job-creating project through the assessment unit.”
“This approved project will support almost 100 jobs through construction and when complete, provide a much needed economic boost in our Mid-West region,” he added.
