A $50 million Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plant in Mount Magnet is the first application to be determined under the McGowan Government’s new planning laws which aim to cut red tape and provide immediate economic support through significant, job-creating projects.
The development was approved by the Western Australian Planning Commission yesterday and is anticipated to inject approximately $100 million of investment and create approximately 70 jobs during construction and 30 full-time jobs for local workers once operational, providing a welcome boost to the State’s regional economy.
The LNG Plant will supply gas to customers in the Mid-West region, including the local mining sector, substantially reducing carbon emissions by some 90,000 tonnes a year.
Construction will commence in coming months with the facility expected to be operational by mid-2021.
Since July, more than 45 proponents have expressed interest in the new assessment pathway including proposals in both metropolitan and regional areas with potential to attract thousands of jobs and over $3 billion of private investment to the State.
Further details about other significant development applications and the new planning process can be found online at https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/sdau
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Our historic planning reforms aim to cut red tape, create local jobs and help drive economic activity following COVID-19.
“Once the legislation passed we moved to immediately set up the development application process to support significant, job-creating projects for the next 18 months to provide immediate support for Western Australia’s economic recovery.
“This marks a major milestone with the successful approval of the first job-creating project through the assessment unit.
“This approved project will support almost 100 jobs through construction and when complete, provide a much needed economic boost in our Mid-West region.”
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Our package of planning reforms aims to support the Western Australian economy through COVID-19 by streamlining the assessment of shovel-ready, job-creating projects.
“The State Development Assessment Unit was created in July following the passing of legislation.
“The unit has had interest from a range of proponents with proposals including major shopping centre redevelopments, local retail complexes, tourism resorts, recreation and industrial facilities.
“Proposals that progress from an initial enquiry to pre-lodgement are subject to review to ensure they are well designed and construction ready. We also engage early with local government and regulatory agencies so we can work collaboratively to address any issues.
“Well-designed, job creating development projects are crucial as we continue WA’s economic recovery.”
