GOING FOR GROWTH IN THE FERTILISER INDUSTRY

The Australian Government’s Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) has committed $255 million for critical infrastructure supporting the Perdaman Urea Project in Western Australia.

The $4.3 billion project located 20 kilometres north-west of Karratha will convert Australian gas into approximately two million tonnes of urea per year.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the NAIF commitment will help kickstart this new multi-billion-dollar industry.

“Australia currently imports around 2.4 million tonnes a year of urea for agricultural use, and the Perdaman project will have the capacity to meet 96 per cent of that volume,” Mr Pasin said.

“The NAIF’s investment will provide farmers’ access to locally manufactured fertiliser, securing our agricultural production and boosting our exports.” Mr Pasin said.

“This is a positive outcome for the agriculture industry, as I have heard firsthand from farmers in my electorate how difficult it can be to gain access to fertiliser.”

The NAIF commitment is being delivered through two separate loans:

• $160 million to the Pilbara Ports Authority for a new multi-user wharf and facilities at the Port of Dampier to facilitate exports, and
• $95 million to the Western Australia Water Corporation for the expansion of the Burrup seawater supply and brine disposal scheme that will also service the operation of Perdaman Urea Plant.

The Perdaman Urea Plant is considered transformational for Western Australia, having been awarded Major Project Status by both the Australian and Western Australian governments.

ENDS