Western Australia lauded as global oil and gas hub at major oil and gas conference

Western Australia has been hailed as a major destination for the future of the world’s supply of oil and gas by the Western Australian Minister for Commerce Michael Mischin and industry officials, at the opening plenary session of the Australasian Oil and Gas (AOG) conference in Perth today.

Citing plentiful natural resources, specialist technological expertise and a stable investment environment, the minister said Western Australia provides “a case for optimism”, despite the recent collapse in commodity prices.

Minister Mischin said the Chevron Global Technology Centre, GE Oil and Gas’ Skills Development Centre in Perth and a major research alliance between the West Australian universities, the State Government and multinational resources companies, including Shell and Woodside, provided strong foundations for industry longevity and future prosperity.

He said Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports were the most valuable commodity to the West Australian government last year and the minister said that continued investment and sustained growth from India and China will bolster market fundamentals in the longer-term.

Minister Mischin also said AOG was a triumph for the organisers and the State.

Chevron Global Technology Centre manager for Perth, Richard Hinkley, a keynote speaker at AOG 2015, echoed the ministers’ call for optimism – suggesting Western Australia can become a global LNG centre for excellence.

“We believe the fundamentals will remain strong,” he said.

Mr Hinkley said that while Western Australia “struggles to compete on costs” he suggested that the oil and gas expertise locally available offered innovations that could support the industry.

He said Chevron has committed approximately $50 million in research and development with Australian universities since 2007, adding that, “the quality of education in Western Australia is very high”.