BHP has welcomed the successful commissioning of the Gippsland Basin Joint Venture’s West Barracouta natural gas field in the Bass Strait offshore Victoria, which will provide new
domestic gas supply to Australia’s east coast.

The approximately AUD$400 million (BHP 50 per cent share) development of one of the largest remaining discovered sweet gas reservoirs in the Bass Strait is in line with BHP’s commitment to reliably supplying natural gas to the domestic market while maximising resource value.

Country Manager BHP Petroleum Australia, Graham Salmond, said: “The Gippsland Basin Joint Venture has played a central role in reliably meeting the energy needs of Australian homes and businesses for 50 years.”

“As the largest domestic gas project in Australia in recent years, West Barracouta has unlocked a new, high quality gas resource that will help maintain Bass Strait production and support our diverse domestic customer base.

“We aim to continue developing opportunities to maximise the value of Bass Strait for the joint venture and our shareholders.

“I commend the Esso Australia team for safely delivering this project on time and within budget, especially given the challenges of working through the pandemic over the past 12 months.”

BHP and Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd (operator) each have a 50 per cent interest in the Gippsland Basin Joint Venture.