New figures show the Western Australian public have been misled about the number of local contracts used in the Gorgon Gas Development.
According to a document circulated by Chevron to the WA media in February, $10 billion has been invested in local contracts. But the figure has been proved false by the AMWU and the Skilled Work Alliance.
“We have found $7.4 billion of the $10 billion of Gorgon contracts Chevron claim are local are instead largely done offshore. Only $3 billion of the contracts are being sourced locally – things like earthworks, dredging and catering – contracts that involve little skills development,” said UnionsWA Secretary Simone McGurk.
AMWU WA Secretary, Steve McCartney, said the analysis by UnionsWA was a damning insight into the amount of skilled work local trades people were missing out on.
Rally this Tuesday the 15th March – 11am assemble at the corner of Barrack Street and Riverside Drive, The Esplanade.
“This Tuesday, the people of WA will have an opportunity to declare their frustration with the Barnett Government and their disregard for local jobs and skills investment,” Mr McCartney said.
“For the first time, local business owners, engineers, trades people and heads of industry will march together up St George’s Terrace. They will call on the Barnett Government to ensure the majority of skilled work for our major projects stay here in WA.”
Mr McCartney said the Barnett Government needed to take responsibility for Gorgon’s skilled work going offshore.
“Chevron have tried to tell the Western Australian people and Government that they’re keeping the bulk of the project work here. It’s not true and the people of WA won’t be fooled.”
Truth revealed
Contracts claimed by Chevron as delivering local content to WA include:
• KJVG Head Contract ($2.7 billion) – the vast majority of engineering, procurement and construction management completed overseas.
• LNG Jetty & Marine Structures ($1 billion) – most of the jetty manufactured in Malaysia and shipped to WA.
• Offshore Pipelay ($1 billion) – steel pipes manufactured in Malaysia and shipped to WA.
• LNG & Condensate Tanks ($600 million) – tanks made in Thailand with Japanese steel.