• Premier launches Woodside's new Local Jobs Portal and Local Participation Plan
• Plan to ensure Karratha locals are given more opportunities to secure work on Woodside projects - securing the region's long-term future
• State Government works with Woodside to ensure Bay Village development leads to ongoing local jobs
• Initiative paves the way for Browse and Scarborough gas to be brought onshore in Karratha  

Premier Mark McGowan has today welcomed Woodside's commitment to local jobs in Karratha, with the announcement of a new Local Jobs Portal and Local Participation Plan.

The Local Participation Plan will ensure that Karratha locals are given the best possible chance of finding work on all Woodside projects in the Pilbara.

As Woodside enters its growth and construction phase and invests significantly into its developments, thousands of job opportunities will be created which will secure the long-term future for Karratha. 

Growth and expansion projects, including the Pluto expansion, upgrade of the Karratha Gas Plant and future processing of Browse and Scarborough gas in Karratha are part of Woodside's plans to build on the significant infrastructure it has already developed locally. 

The plan includes a Local Jobs Portal, an online tool where locals can register their skills and availability for jobs. Woodside will use the portal to find suitable workers from the Pilbara region before considering FIFO workers to work on its facilities in the region.

Woodside's contractors will also be required to use the Locals First Portal, to ensure more local jobs are created.

The Premier announced the State Government's intention to enter into lease negotiations for Bay Village, following Woodside's commitment to the Local Participation Plan and a local content requirement that will ensure the village will create jobs for locals.

A local content requirement of 85 per cent will be placed on the village, which will create about 70 local jobs during construction and 30 ongoing operational jobs.

Bay Village will be a state-of-the-art accommodation facility to house workers during upgrade works at the Karratha Gas Plant, expansion of the Pluto plant, and during construction phases at the proposed Scarborough and Browse developments.

It will be a high-quality, modern, landscaped village that will integrate well with the surrounding residential areas. 

The signing of the lease is subject to normal financial and legal requirements, and Woodside's commitment to deliver on the Local Participation Plan. Normal planning approval processes will also apply to the project.

To view the portal, visit http://www.karrathalocaljobs.com.au   

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"Today's announcement is about job creation and securing the future of Karratha. It also supports Woodside's plans to bring Scarborough and Browse gas onshore - as it always should have.  

 "The Local Participation Plan will ensure that the next wave of Woodside projects create direct jobs for people in the Pilbara.
"I'm pleased we've been able to work with Woodside to ensure that the development will lead to long-term jobs for people in Karratha. 

"I'd like to acknowledge local MP Kevin Michel for his tireless work to ensure that people in the Pilbara are given every opportunity to secure work on big resources projects. 

"I have made it clear that creating local jobs is my number one priority, and my Government is keen to ensure that future resources projects create similar outcomes for local communities." 


Comments attributed to Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Now we have these participation plans in place for local jobs in Karratha, as well as the Local Jobs Portal, the State will enter into negotiations for a land lease at Bay Village. 

"Any subsequent development will be subject to normal planning approval processes with maximising local jobs our key consideration."

Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Karratha workers have the skill and the knowledge to do this work and the Local Jobs Portal will ensure they are in the box seat for future job opportunities.  

"With the expansion of Pluto and the potential for Browse and Scarborough gas to be processed in Karratha, there is an opportunity to create a pipeline of jobs for locals, supporting the local economy for years to come.

"This announcement will ensure Karratha has a strong future and the local workforce will play a key role."