The Gorgon Joint Venture has announced that drilling at one of Australia’s biggest resources projects, off the North-West coast is set to commence next year.

The Gorgon Stage Two Project is expected to create hundreds of jobs over several years in areas including drilling, subsea installation, pipe-laying and project management as well as ongoing operational jobs into the future.

The additional Gorgon subsea facilities will maintain the supply of gas for the life of the project, over the next 30 to 40 years.

Premier Mark McGowan said Chevron Australia’s subsea development will ensure continued domestic gas supplies and provide a major boost to the State’s economy.

“This investment is another sign that WA is getting back on track – the economy is improving, confidence is up and jobs are being created.”

The McGowan Labor Government will work with Chevron to ensure that local content is maximised on the project under Chevron’s policies in areas such as manufacturing, and that apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities are created.

“I met with Chevron Australia’s managing director Nigel Hearne last week, and the State Government is delighted to work together with Chevron Australia to ensure the benefits to Western Australians are maximised on this project long into the future.”

Last month, the McGowan Government announced plans to establish a LNG Jobs Taskforce to establish Western Australia as a LNG hub, and ensure industry and government work collaboratively to maximise benefits that flow from the local LNG industry.