Australia issues nine new offshore permits for exploration AUSTRALIA has handed out nine new offshore permits that will open the door to petroleum exploration investment worth 380 million Australian dollars and may benefit the country’s longterm energy security, the federal government said on November 18.
Martin Ferguson, the Minister for Resources and Energy, said in a statement: “Liquefied natural gas is forecast to be Australia’s fastest-growing energy export.
“On the other hand, Australia has an A$16 billion trade deficit in crude oil, refined products and LPG (liquid petroleum gas), which is also rising.”
Permits to explore waters off Western Australia were awarded to Woodside Petroleum, Royal Dutch Shell, Mitsui& Co’s Mitsui E&P Australia, Cottesloe Oil & Gas, Strike Energy, WHL Energy and Santos.
The government said 33 bids were received for 12 areas in the second round of the 2010 Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release, which closed on May 12. Of the nine permits awarded, Woodside received seven permits, one alone and the others in partnership with either Shell or Mitsui.
“Continued exploration of offshore areas is required to maintain a robust offshore petroleum industry,” Mr. Ferguson said. “These permits add greater momentum to offshore development, potentially reducing our dependence on fuel imports and strengthening our energy security.”
Foreign Workers Needed in Australia’s Tourism Sector
Australia’s tourism sector is seeking overseas guest workers to fill a shortage of more than 35,000 jobs.
The Australian tourism sector has seen its staff move to the booming mining sector that offers higher wages in significant numbers recently. According to Tourism Australia’s Managing Director Andrew McEvoy, the industry has suggested granting special visas for overseas guest workers to fill these shortages.
“I understand there are more than 35,000 job vacancies in our industry today– and a lot are the entry level jobs,” stated Mr. McEvoy, “Many in the industry suggest that special visas are required to get the workers for these roles.”
Australia is a world-class destination; however the multi-billion dollar industry has not taken advantage of this to attract more tourists to Australia. The industry has been criticized for inferior levels of service, infrastructure and experiences compared with other popular tourist destinations.
The tourism sector has also been negatively affected by the buoyant Aussie dollar and high labor costs. As a result, Australian tourism is losing its competitiveness and is having difficulty attracting the foreign investment into Australia required to build new hotels, resorts and improve existing accommodation and attractions.
According to Mr. McEvoy, Australia is still a favorite destination for tourists all over the world.“Australia has some of the world’s most incredible pristine coastline and beaches, teeming with nature and wildlife. Alongside this we have evolved a modern coastal outdoor lifestyle that is the envy of the world. Here are so many to choose from – why would you choose anywhere other than Australia?”
