NEW company data shows more than 600 local businesses have enjoyed the flow-on benefits of Chevron’s LNG projects off the coast of Western Australia with contracts totalling $40 billion being awarded since construction commenced in 2011.

In its most recent project update, Chevron Australia revealed more than $27 billion worth of contracts were awarded to Australian companies and more than 10,000 jobs created as the result of its Gorgon project.

The report also said the Wheatstone project was responsible for the award of more than $14 billion in contracts and the creation of more than 7,000 jobs.

“Chevron has employed hundreds of apprentices and trainees to support Gorgon and Wheatstone and employs about 160 university graduates,” the update said.

“These are young people who are getting valuable experience on the front-line and are the leaders and experts of tomorrow – who we are investing in today.”

Additionally, Chevron indicated a commitment to workforce training and development in preparation for future skills needs.

“We have so far invested $12 million on recruiting and training apprentices and trainees in preparation for when the Gorgon LNG and domestic gas plan becomes operational, with more recruiting campaigns planned,” the report said.

A long-serving AREEA member, Chevron said the two projects are expected to contribute more than $50 billion in expenditure on Australian goods, services and jobs. ACIL Tasman also forecasts tax revenues from the Gorgon and Wheatstone projects totalling $60 billion in coming years.

However, Chevron said its commitment to the workforce would also continue after construction was complete.

“Beyond construction, the focus will move to higher skilled long-term jobs in LNG and domestic gas plant operations, maintenance and logistics support, along with continuing exploration and appraisal to support expansion of facilities once established,” Chevron said.

To meet longer term objectives in industry development, Chevron has established an energy technology centre in Perth in alliance with the CSIRO, the University of Western Australia and Curtin University.

“Already, there are about 145 technology professionals employed at the centre,” the report said.

“Many will be recruited locally from experienced personnel and university graduates, including geologists, geophysicists and petroleum, process and facilities engineers.”

Committing to research and development around petroleum production, health and safety, and environmental management, Chevron said the real outcomes of the projects were still to come.

“The longer term investment in people and technology, along with the ongoing jobs and billions of dollars that will flow into the state and national economies over the 40 to 50 years that are the real benefits of mega projects like Gorgon and Wheatstone,” Chevron said.

The two LNG projects are expected to move into production by 2016.

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