“Thousands of men and women have worked tirelessly across Western Australia’s mining, oil and gas industry to keep the resources sector operating safely during COVID-19. Their efforts will be critical to the economic recovery of our nation and we appreciate the sacrifices they and their families have made and the resilience they have shown. 

“With the ongoing support of the State and Commonwealth Governments, our focus coming out of COVID-19 is to continue to support safe operations, sustain jobs and invest in the community. 

“We recognise other segments of the economy are doing it exceptionally hard at the moment.  As an industry, we feel privileged for the support and cooperation which has been shared across the board.” 

After releasing the economic statement today, Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said that WA had been a strong aspect of the nation’s mining sector for so long and it was one of the bright spots, with mining investment improving.

Federal Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said WA’s resources sector had been an incredibly important sector underpinning the strength of the nation’s economy through the COVID-19 crisis. He added that much of the resilience of Australia’s economy through this period had been underpinned by the ongoing strong performance of the resources sector.  

Earlier this week, CME released a survey of 53 Western Australian resources sector companies, which revealed that the State’s mining, oil and gas, energy and contractor industries contributed more than $67.1 billion to Australia’s economy in 2018-19 and directly created more than 71,000 full-time jobs. 

“The survey indicated our member companies operating in WA contributed to more than 11 per cent of Australia’s corporate income taxes. Nationally, our sector also supported 311,796 full-time jobs through the purchase of goods and services from more than 20,000 Australian organisations,” Mr Carruthers said.

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From next month, Chevron will supply BHP Nickel West with a total of 22 Petajoules of equity domestic gas until the end of 2023.

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA’s (CME) Chief Executive Paul Everingham said access to reliable and affordable energy would help support WA’s economic growth, which was essential following the devastating impact of COVID-19.

“The commencement of domestic gas deliveries from Chevron‘s natural gas facilities in the Pilbara has significantly benefited Western Australian households and businesses, as it provides a cost-effective supply of energy for decades,” he said.

“Western Australia enjoys a solid reputation for its secure domestic gas supply and this latest agreement will further strengthen our global standing.

“Thanks to WA’s strong LNG market, local businesses and industry are fortunate to access an affordable and consistent supply of energy well into the future.”

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• New incentives to entice eastern states-based FIFO workers to relocate to WA permanently
• Incentives include access to the State Government’s $20,000 Building Bonus grant
• Part of plans to grow economy and support small businesses during COVID-19 recovery

The McGowan Government is partnering with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) to lure eastern states-based FIFO workers to relocate to Western Australia. 

There are currently around 5,000 to 6,000 FIFO workers who currently reside in the eastern states, and fly to WA to undertake work on mining and oil and gas sites across the State.

Typically, these workers would fly to Perth airport before travelling to their respective worksite, according to their work roster, and then head back to the eastern states at the conclusion of their shift.

Due to COVID-19 and WA’s hard border, many eastern states FIFO workers have temporarily relocated to WA, to be able to continue working in the WA industry.

The State Government and CME’s members are offering incentives for these workers to relocate to WA permanently, to support the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Eastern states-based workers will be able to access the McGowan Government’s $20,000 Building Bonus grant, which is available to any homebuyer who wishes to build a new house in WA. 

The Building Bonus grants are open until December 31, 2020 and will be available for workers who wish to build in Perth or across regional WA. 

Several CME members will offer their eastern states-based workers a range of incentives to assist with relocation costs and mortgage payments.

For more information on the Building Bonus grant, visit here.  

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

“Western Australia is a great place to live and has a lot to offer those who already work here, but currently reside in homes in the eastern States.

“We expect by offering the Building Bonus to these workers, it will provide a strong incentive for them to make the move to WA, and build a new home.

“They are already working here on mining or oil and gas sites across the State. We want as many of these workers as possible to consider making a home in WA, and I’d particularly encourage them to learn about some of our fantastic communities in regional WA.

“By relocating to WA permanently, we can further support WA small businesses and continue to grow our economy as we continue the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Comments attributed to Chamber of Minerals and Energy CEO Paul Everingham:

“A number of our members are offering attractive incentives to encourage interstate FIFO workers to permanently relocate to WA to complement the Federal and State Government’s home building stimulus packages.

“These incentives offered by companies include relocation financial assistance, mortgage payment support and assistance to travel to their state of origin once or twice a year. 

“In addition, many companies will provide a regional living allowance to encourage workers to reside in the communities in which their company operates. 

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