Wednesday 19 October 2011

Traditional owners meet Malaysian gas chiefs

Traditional owners from the Port Curtis Coral Coast Native Claimant Group travelled to Kuala Lumpur recently to meet with Petronas senior executives.

Gladstone resident Tony Blackman was among the delegation, which was led by Mackay-based Mal Walker. Santos Australia representatives also attended.

The delegation was briefed on the $16 billion GLNG Gladstone Project.

They were also given a tour of the Petronas LNG plant in Bintulu Sarawak - the largest stand alone LNG plant in the world.

Mr Walker said the visit could signal massive employment, training and business opportunities for Queensland's indigenous people.

"Everyone will benefit - not just Murris, all people."

"After meeting the senior executives of Petronas at the official launch of the GLNG project on Curtis Island in May this year we were extended a personal invitation to meet with them in Malaysia, to see for ourselves what impact the plant may have on our traditional lands.

"Additionally, Petronas, its partners Santos, Korea Gas and European energy conglomerate Total along with construction contractors Bechtel, have given major undertakings in regard to indigenous employment, training and business opportunities that we wished to pursue on a personal level.'

'Santos, Petronas and partners in the GLNG Project have been considerate of the community's needs, and wish to ensure that this project will leave a positive and lasting legacy, particularly in regard to the traditional owners," Mr Walker said.