Pilbara’s first major transmission line is making headway, with the project set to provide green energy from Maitland to Karratha and the Burrup Peninsula once complete.
Traditional Owners, the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation and Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation – who have formed an alliance for the project that is part of a working group with the Western Australian Government – are continuing to work alongside Perdaman, Woodside, and Yara Pilbara on the groundbreaking development.
The Western Australian Government said that the project has the potential to be the first in the state to attract concessional finance from the Commonwealth’s Rewiring the Nation fund, up to $3 billion of which has been allocated to Western Australia.
The State Government said that it is continuing to work closely with Traditional Owners and industry to design the transmission assets, while ensuring minimal impact to Country.
The Pilbara is responsible for about 20 per cent of Western Australia’s gross state product and contributs about a quarter of State Government revenue.
The Western Australian Government said that it is anticipated the Maitland–Karratha–Burrup line will provide the template for future common use renewable infrastructure to support the region’s decarbonisation.
Western Australian Premier, Roger Cook, said, “Development of the planned Maitland–Karratha–Burrup line represents the first major step in decarbonising the Pilbara and will help drive my government’s plans to make Western Australia a green energy powerhouse.
“This project has strong potential to unlock additional job-creating opportunities on the Burrup Peninsula, while meeting growing demand for clean, reliable energy.
“With support for Traditional Owners and industry, this project has strong potential to create quality local jobs, build better regions and deliver economic growth that benefits all Western Australians.”
Western Australian Energy Minister, Reece Whitby, said, “We want to see Western Australia be at the forefront of the global energy transition.
“To do that, we must decarbonise the Pilbara, which has for decades driven our state’s economic success and will continue to do so as demand for green steel, battery metals, and clean hydrogen exports grows.
“It’s crucial Traditional Owners and industry are on board with this plan, and I am proud to say they will have a seat at the table every step of the way as this project evolves.
“Together, we can secure decades of economic prosperity in our state.”
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said, “Today’s announcement shows the huge benefits to industry and ultimately households, when the states and the Commonwealth work collaboratively together on energy policy, focused on people instead of playing politics.”
Pilbara MLA, Kevin Michel, said, “This is a project the Pilbara should be proud of. It has huge potential to set the standard for clean energy developments in our region, benefitting Traditional Owners, industry, and local people.
“Decarbonising our mining industry is critical to ensuring we can continue to provide high-quality local jobs for people in the Pilbara.”
