Building Australian industry capability

Abstract

Natural gas developments such as the Chevron-operated Gorgon Project are not only generating long-lasting benefits for Australia but also providing a unique opportunity for local industry to become world-class.

Australia’s LNG production could quadruple over the next decade, so it is critical that the local industry providing operational support grows accordingly.

The key is to create an environment that fosters building capabilities that will develop new specialist skills and jobs, and ensure Australian research and innovation is sought-after globally.

Chevron has worked closely with Australian industry to give local businesses capable of performing work on the Gorgon Project the opportunity to do so.

However, Gorgon’s life span of 40-plus years offers immense opportunity beyond the initial construction phase.

The recipe for sustainable success in capacity building rests on three vital elements which can only be developed through close collaboration between the industry, project proponents and government.

The immediate challenge is to establish a framework in which local support industries in the energy sector can be identified and develop their capability to work on large projects such as Gorgon.

Alongside this growth in capability, local industry must continue to develop a strong safety and environmental stewardship culture to cement its credentials as world-class.

Industry should also invest in research and innovation which, combined with high-end skill development, is essential to capture long-term operational opportunities.

The key players need to work closely to develop local skills and an industry that will support the rapidly expanding natural gas industry.