$80m upgrade at refinery a job boost

The BP Refinery in Kwinana is set to spend $80 million on upgrades to the facility early next year.

The move will create 1800 short-term jobs and boost local accommodation and business services.

The refinery is Australia’s largest and the only one in WA, employing about 400 people on a full-time basis and 350 contractors.

A major six-week upgrade of the infrastructure is planned for mid-February 2017, in what is being viewed as a major commitment by BP to the Kwinana area.

BP Refinery managing director Des Gillen said the upgrades were the most significant in the facility’s 61-year history.

“It’s a tough market; we have to be more efficient in the way we do things in Australia to compete with overseas refineries,” he said.

“At Kwinana, we are committed to investing in our ‘kit’ to ensure we continue to provide secure, reliable and competitively priced fuels to WA.”

The influx of contractors and short-term workers to undertake the upgrade could mean congestion on Mason Road and the surrounding area.

Mr Gillen said BP was working with the local authorities, neighbours and other Mason Road users to ensure drivers were aware of the potential for additional traffic.