Bp Investment In Townsville Helps Queensland Grow

BP Investment in Townsville Helps Queensland Grow

BP Australia today announced that it will make a multi million dollar capital investment in the construction of a new bitumen import, manufacturing and distribution facility in Townsville that will meet the massive increase in demand for bitumen from current and future road infrastructure projects in Queensland.

Kathy Hirschfeld, Managing Director of BP's Bulwer Island Refinery in Brisbane, said "The Queensland Government is embarking on an unprecedented level of investment in road infrastructure that demands an ongoing supply of quality bitumen to make these roads a reality.

"BP has been providing bitumen to support Queensland's growth for decades, and this investment in Townsville will ensure the large scale supply of bitumen essential to improving vital transport routes that secure the prosperity of industry, business, and communities in north and north-west Queensland," she said.

"Townsville has become a critical link for nearly every industry in the region, and is without doubt the right place for BP to invest to deliver this region's bitumen needs efficiently and cost effectively," said Kathy Hirschfeld.

The new facility will be capable of supplying approximately 120,000 tonnes of bitumen each year enough for the development and maintenance of nearly 4,000 kilometres of road. This represents a 240% increase in BP's current bitumen supply capability out of Townsville.

BP will import paving grade bitumen while polymer modified grades designed for special applications such as high stress and wear will be manufactured at the new facility.

BP has leased land at the Port of Townsville and construction of the facility has already commenced including six storage tanks with a total capacity of 18,000 tonnes. Port of Townsville Limited is also undertaking a significant upgrade to the bulk liquids wharf to accommodate the trade.

It is expected that over 200 construction workers will be employed on-site up until the facility is fully commissioned by 2011/12, and 6 workers will be employed on an ongoing basis.

-ENDS-

For further information contact:
Chandran Vigneswaran
Ph: +61 (0) 3 9268 3534
Mob: +61 (0) 410 479 002

Notes to Editors:
About BP Bitumen
* BP Bitumen has over 40 years experience in the ongoing development, production and supply of bitumen products in Australia, with its product currently covering one third of Australian roads.
* The company offers a wide range of bituminous products, including polymer-modified bitumens, bitumen emulsions, paving grade bitumens, cutback bitumens, primers and precoats.
* These products are used by a range of customers including state road authorities, road contractors and local government

About BP in Australia
* We are engaged in the exploration for and production of oil, natural gas and liquefied natural gas and the refining, transportation and marketing of petroleum and lubricant products, as well as power trading and the supply of solar photovoltaic products.
* We supply fuel to approximately 1,400 service stations around Australia.
* For more information about BP in Australia please visit www.bp.com/au

SOURCE: BP Australia