Ichthys LNG Project Supports NT O&G Education (Australia)

The North Australian Centre for Oil and Gas at Charles Darwin University in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia officially opened, marking the beginning of Northern Australia’s future as a training hub for the expanding oil and gas industry.

INPEX and its Ichthys LNG Project Joint Venture participants Total, Tokyo Gas, Osaka Gas, Chubu Electric and Toho Gas contributed $3 million towards the construction of Centre as part of a $91 million community investment package.

INPEX President Director Australia, Mr Seiya Ito, was in Darwin to celebrate the opening and said the Centre would provide young Territorians with world-class training opportunities. “At a young age, Territorians will be able to plan for careers in the oil and gas industry without having to look any further than their home town,” Mr Ito said.

“With Darwin strategically positioned as the gateway to Asia, investing in the Centre was a natural fit for the Ichthys LNG Project and ensures that maximum benefits will be created for generations to come. Mr Ito said people from around Australia would undoubtedly be drawn to study at the Centre.

“This will attract people to live and study in Darwin, building on the local skills base and making Darwin the prime location in Australia to benefit from the predicted growth in the oil and gas sector” Mr Ito said.

“For example, forecasts show a large increase in demand for LNG operational staff and the Centre will help up-skill the people needed to fill these positions across Australia.

“It is important that industry works together to lay the foundations now to ensure a local skills base is available and ready to deliver future oil and gas projects in the region.

“INPEX also recognises the importance of training and up-skilling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and that’s why the Ichthys Joint Venture also funded the construction of the Larrakia Trade Training Centre in Darwin.

“The North Australian Centre for Oil and Gas at Charles Darwin University, together with the Larrakia Trade Training Centre, will create a legacy for the Northern Territory as the place to prepare for a future in the exciting world of oil and gas.”

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LNG World News Staff, November 21, 2012; Image: ext.cdu.edu.au