Indigenous business to work on Waitsia gas field

Geraldton-based Garla Barna Civil & Mining has been subcontracted by engineering and construction giant Clough for work on the Waitsia gas field in the Perth Basin.

GBCM will complete the bulk earthworks component of a larger contract awarded to Clough in January, associated with stage two development works on Waitsia.

The project is a 50:50 joint venture between Beach Energy and Japan's Mitsui & Co.

Stage two includes the development of a production facility capable of producing 250 terajoules of gas per day, with construction scheduled to begin in July.

Clough estimates up to 200 workers will be required.

Established in 2019, GBCM is led by directors Shane Bonney and Fred Taylor, both Yamatji men, and Josh and Tanya Johnson, who are also directors of Utakarra-based Red Dust Holdings.

GBCM says it aims to maximise opportunities for Aboriginal people in the construction industry and create career paths for future generations.

“GBCM are pleased that Clough have provided our company with this opportunity on a project that is being built on our traditional lands,” Mr Taylor said in a statement on Monday.

“We are excited to be working with Clough in the delivery of this scope and look forward to the engagement this project brings to the Mid West and the Southern Yamatji people”.

The contract is in line with Clough’s commitments under a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), announced in February.

The RAP, endorsed by not-for-profit Reconciliation Australia, is aimed at improving outcomes for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders through employment, education, and business opportunities.

Ms Johnson from GBCM praised Clough’s reconciliation efforts.

“We look forward to the many connections, collaborations and engagement this project and the award to GBCM brings to the local region,” she said.

Clough managing director Peter Bennett said the company would provide opportunities to the local community for every stage of the Waitsia project.

The field sits about 350 kilometres north of Perth, near the town of Dongara.

First gas is expected in 2023 and will be transported through the nearby Dampier to Bunbury pipeline, owned by Australian Gas Infrastructure Group.