MEDIA RELEASE

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,
Regional Development and Local Government

The Australian Coat of Arms

07 May 2009
AA155/2009

RENEWAL OF MAJOR PROJECT FACILITATION FOR MEO AUSTRALIA

I have renewed the Major Project Facilitation (MPF) status of MEO Australia, underscoring the Government's effort to support major new private sector investment during the current global recession.

The company's Timor Sea LNG and the Tassie Shoal Methanol projects involve developing gas accumulations in close proximity to Tassie Shoal, an area of shallow water in the Bonaparte Basin approximately 275 km North West of Darwin.

MEO is currently conducting further technical appraisals of its exploration lease adjoining Tassie Shoal, as well as approaching potential gas suppliers in the region in an effort to secure suitable feed gas for the projects.  Depending on the quality and quantity of the available gas, the projects could proceed independently or as an integrated facility.

Each project is expected to generate approximately 500 jobs during construction and around 110 direct ongoing jobs.

MPF program is administered by my Department, with the purpose of facilitating and supporting private sector investment proposals through the approval processes of Federal and state/territory authorities. It also assists with the early identification of impediments to greater private sector investment.

Media Contacts

Jeff Singleton ( 0410 476 890 )

BACKGROUND

The Major Project Facilitation program is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

Under the program, the Department provides the project with a facilitation service to achieve quick and timely assistance from the Australian Government.  The service ensures:

  • Access to information on government approval processes;
  • All relevant government processes are coordinated, including those of state and territory governments, so that as far as possible they occur simultaneously and without duplication;
  • Government agencies respond promptly to issues raised by the project proponent during the approval process; and
  • Assistance in identifying and accessing government programs is provided.

MPF status does not imply any Government guarantee for the commercial success or otherwise of the project, nor does it absolve the project from meeting less than the full statutory and other requisite criteria of relevant approval processes.

Proponents may apply to the Minister for MPF status if their proposed project meets the following three criteria:

  1. The project is of strategic significance to Australia:
    • The project will significantly boost Australian industry innovation.
      1. Increasing research and development (R&D) and commercialisation capability; and/or
      2. A new application of skills and knowledge; and/or
      3. Technology transfer; and/or
      4. Cluster development.
    • Or, the project will have significant net economic benefit for regional Australia, taking account of a regions investment needs.
    • Or, the projects estimated investment exceeds A$50 million and makes a significant contribution to economic growth, employment and/or infrastructure.

  2. Requires Australian Government approval(s) in order to proceed and/or significant Australian Government involvement through, for example, other Federal programs.

  3. Has sufficient financial resources to complete the Australian Government approval(s) process and can demonstrate the reasonable commercial viability of the project.

Further details on the program are available from the Major Project Facilitation Unit with the Infrastructure Department: GPO Box 594, CANBERRA, 2601 or telephone +61 2 6274 7251.

 

URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2009/May/AA155_2009.htm