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Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)

Karratha infrastructure strategy: supporting Woodside’s residential workforce and the Karratha community

Tina Thomas
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Woodside Energy Ltd.

The APPEA Journal 53(2) 468-468 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ12079
Published: 2013

Abstract

This extended abstract discusses Woodside’s Karratha Infrastructure Strategy (KIS) as a measure to attract and retain the residential workforce in Karratha and to support the wider community. A high-level overview of Woodside’s workforce model to support its operations on the Burrup Peninsula is also provided.

Attracting and retaining a substantial residential workforce in a regional area such as Karratha poses challenges (remoteness of the community, high demand for health and education services, and ageing community infrastructure) to its development and residential workforce critical to Woodside’s operations.

As a response, Woodside is delivering its KIS, which focuses on working with key local stakeholders to scope and deliver community infrastructure projects in areas of identified need, including health, education, culture, and recreation. These targeted investments that align with business needs and the external environment contribute to helping Woodside’s residential workforce, lifting the quality of services and infrastructure available, and improving the long-term sustainability of Karratha and its surrounding communities.

The presentation details key elements of KIS, including the strategic approach to project selection and development, successes to date, and lessons learnt. It is relevant to a range of industry stakeholders interested in contributing to a community’s sustainable development and understanding and managing the challenges of supporting a residential workforce in a regional area.

Tina Thomas has a career spanning more than 20 years in the oil and gas industry.

Her present role is senior vice president, corporate, at Woodside. Her portfolio includes corporate affairs, indigenous affairs, environment, HR, health and safety, security, and emergency management, and sustainability.

She is on the Board of Activ Foundation and a Governing Council Member of Challenger Institute of Technology. She is also a committee member on the Corporate Volunteer Council, the University of WA Business School’s Centre for Social Impact Advisory Board, and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy.