The Darwin Convention Centre will be associated with one of the biggest projects in Australia, as the venue for the Ichthys LNG Project’s Final Investment Decision  on 13 Jan 2012 and also for the corporate dinner celebrating the announcement held on 9 Feb 2012.

Based in Darwin, the scope of the $34 billion project will create 3,000 jobs in Darwin during construction plus 1,000 offshore with 700 permanent positions
when operational. It will  produce 8.4 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per annum.

The $34 billion project will bring a surge of meetings and conferences to Darwin and its Convention Centre

Located in the Browse Basin offshore north west Australia, the Ichthys Field first revealed its potential as a world-class gas project in 2000. Since that time, most likely resource estimates have grown to more than 12 trillion cubic feet of gas with the liquids-rich gas stream also generating approximately 100,000 barrels of condensate at peak.

This enormous project will create a wealth of jobs plus training and business opportunities for the region, especially for the Convention Centre with meetings and conferences. It will introduce new infrastructure and advanced technology and broaden the building capacity for the nation’s growing energy industry.

Darwin and the Northern Territory are already experiencing the many benefits that the Ichthys Project will bring to the region. The project’s local content agreement stipulates that all successful tenderers in Australia must demonstrate how they will maximise the use of Australian products and services. Local
companies have already won a $340 million contract to commence civil work for the Project’s onshore facilities.

The Ichthys Project has already committed to a $91 million environmental and social benefits package to provide long-term benefits for the community over the life of the Project and beyond, including a $3 million contribution to the Charles Darwin University to accelerate plans for the North Australian Centre for Oil and Gas.

In 2010 the Project also contributed $3 million to fund construction of the Larrakia Trade Training Centre, the biggest cross-training facility under one roof in the Northern Territory. It is delivering accredited qualifications, traineeships and apprenticeships to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students from across Northern Australia.

General manager of the Darwin Convention Centre, Malu Barrios said it is a privilege to be involved with a company of the professionalism and standards of INPEX.

“We look forward to a continuing positive and mutually beneficial relationship with INPEX and the opportunities their Ichyths Project will create. It is a Project that will have an enormous positive impact on the progress of Darwin and Australia”, said Barrios.
 
Darwin Convention Centre is committed to supporting the city’s evolving position as an international business powerhouse. Darwin boasts one of the fastest growing economies in Australia, with predictions that the city will be the second fastest growing in the country over the next 5 years, with 4.2% growth, behind only Queensland. (Source: Access Deloitte Economics)