Land distributed to four green energy proponents in Western Australia’s Pilbara region

Green energy aspirants in WA’s north have received significant land allocations from the State Government as part of efforts to decarbonise industry at the nearby Burrup Peninsula.

State Development Minister Roger Cook and Lands Minister John Carey, who jointly sit on the Government’s industrial lands panel, on Monday announced Fortescue Future Industries, Yara International, Hexagon and Perdaman had been awarded parcels of land within the Maitland strategic industrial area.

That precinct, one of 12 strategic industrial areas in WA, is in the Pilbara region and is earmarked for downstream processing.

Currently, an LNG plant owned by Energy Development is the only project operating within it.

The allocated land will be for hydrogen and ammonia projects, with proponents having now been advised to begin negotiations with local Native Title group Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation.

Mr Cook said the land would help transform the site into a competitive industrial precinct.

“This is exciting news for the Pilbara, and in particular for Karratha and Dampier, as these projects will create a pipeline of local jobs for years to come,” he said.

“Through this process, the McGowan Government is prompting early and ongoing engagement with Traditional Owners through the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation as the recognised custodians of the land.”

Mr Carey was also enthusiastic about the possibility of lowering emissions on the Burrup Peninsula.

“This is a major boost for regional WA, and in particular for the City of Karratha, as these projects create and sustain local jobs while strengthening and diversifying the State’s economy,” he said.