BACKTHEN
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday October 24, 2009
This photograph captures activity on the drilling floor of a floating oil rig in Bass Strait. First tapped in 1964, the strait still holds Australia's largest oil reserves. Since 1978, Australian supplies have been sold at the prevailing international market prices. The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association reports that Australia's oil and condensate production for 2007-08 totalled 161.6 million barrels (or 443,000 barrels a day). It predicts that without future discoveries, production could fall to less than 30 per cent of demand by the year 2025. The Australian petroleum industry generates more than $10 billion annually in oil and natural gas production. More than 15,000 people are employed directly and it is estimated that more than 30,000 jobs are created in suppliers, contracting and support companies. EFFIE MANN Source: www.appea.com.au Got an old workplace photograph that might be of interest to readers? Scan it and email a high-res .jpg to mycareercopy@fairfaxmedia.com.au (subject line "Back Then") with a brief description and we'll consider it. Please note: we will not accept or return images sent in the post.
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald