The new helicopter takes the total number of AW139 helicopters owned and operated by the Gippsland Basin Joint Venture (GBJV) to five. This helicopter fleet services the offshore oil and gas platforms in Bass Strait.

Esso Australia Chairman Nathan Fay said the addition of a new helicopter is another significant investment in the logistics capacity of the GBJV, and highlights the significant amount of investment activity underway in the Gippsland Basin.

“In 2018 Esso announced the final investment decision on the West Barracouta gas project, and is pursuing other gas development opportunities in Bass Strait, all aimed at bringing much needed supply to the domestic market.

“The additional state-of-the-art helicopter will enable us to more efficiently meet our growing aviation requirements while ensuring the safety for our workforce,” he said.

Mr. Fay said the investment in a new helicopter comes as the GBJV celebrates 50 years of production from Gippsland in 2019.

“This anniversary is a significant milestone both locally in Gippsland and more broadly for the impact the GBJV has had on Australia’s economic growth over the past half-century.

“We continue to adopt a long-term approach to supplying the Australian domestic energy market, investing in the Gippsland community to bring jobs, economic growth and opportunity,” he concluded.