UKTI Australian Infrastructure Opportunities
Mrs Kerry Sanderson AO, Agent General for Western Australia (WA) presented to an audience of perspective interested parties and business interests at the UK Department of Trade & Investment (UKTI) Australian Infrastructure Opportunities Day held in February.
The aim of the day was to highlight the range of infrastructure and investment projects underway in the Australian market and the benefits of investing or participating in such a dynamic and established market environment. It is estimated that the total value of the pipeline of infrastructure projects in Australia is AUD$100 billion/£63 billion per year.
As a leader in the oil and gas field, conservative estimates have WA contributing A£140 billion in oil and gas related project developments, underway or likely to go-ahead, in the next five years. Developments such as Gorgon LNG, Pluto LNG and Wheatstone LNG which is forecast to push Australia to number two in the global list of LNG exporting countries.
To support the timely introduction of some of these developments, the WA State Government is facilitating the planning and approval of infrastructure such as the Ashburton North and Browse LNG gas-processing estates in the north of WA and the Oakajee Port and Rail project in the State’s mid-west, north of Geraldton.
Overlaid on these developments are those in the mineral resources arena. Over A$20 billion of iron ore developments are planned by Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Fortescue Metals for the Pilbara region alone. WA currently produces an impressive 22 per cent of the world’s iron ore, 23 per cent of alumina, 14 per cent of nickel.
By meeting with the group from the UKTI, WA had the opportunity to re-introduce the State to a UK business audience that are looking for opportunities in an area which is safe and secure and seeking more knowledge on the developing strength of the State.
The event was addressed by Sir Rod Eddington, Chairman of Infrastructure Australia and former CEO of British Airways and delivered in partnership with Austrade and the Agents-General for the key Australian states. It was designed to provide UK companies a unique opportunity to learn more from industry experts on specific project opportunities and to find out how to win business and get involved.
To view the Mrs Sanderson’s presentation to the UKTI group visit here.
All presentation from the event now available on the website.
