Viva Energy Australia has announced an important collaboration with both Tiwi Port and Marine and the Department of Defence, bringing together Australia’s leading energy provider with an Indigenous-led commercial business to ensure ongoing operations of the Melville Island Fuel Facility.
It is envisioned that this 30-million-litre fuel facility, located 80 km north of Darwin, will play a critical role supporting various industries in the region whilst also enhancing Defence’s fuel capability and resilience.
Through this partnership, Tiwi Port and Marine will take over the port operations after the previous business was placed in administration and the facility was at risk of closing, which would have had a significant impact on the community.
The deal will see Viva Energy enter a long-term exclusive licence to run the fuel facility, providing certainty for this crucial port business activity, supported by a storage agreement with Defence.
While this commercial deal will benefit all parties, self-determination has been a core consideration in its development. The partnership allows Tiwi Port and Marine to acquire the overall port facility, with a portion of future storage revenue going directly to the Tiwi-led organisation once a certain level of storage is achieved.
Traditional Owner and Tiwi Port and Marine Chair Gibson Farmer Illortaminni said: “I’m very proud of this new partnership with Viva Energy and Defence. Working together, the Tiwi people are shaping the island now and into the future, creating jobs and opportunities for our kids and future generations.”
Viva Energy CEO Scott Wyatt said: “It is tremendously exciting to formalise this important partnership. This deal aligns closely with Viva Energy’s long-standing commitment to supporting reconciliation and positive outcomes for First Nation’s people and our obligations to Defence, which is one of our company’s most strategic customers. Through this long-term partnership, Viva Energy will utilise our core business skills and expertise in fuel supply chain operations to run the Melville Island Fuel Facility, providing long-term certainty for the business and Defence.”
“Importantly, we will work with the Tiwi communities to transfer skills and knowledge through training and employment opportunities. We will also link into our other commercial and community partners to unlock additional business opportunities and enhance access to community services,” Mr Wyatt said.
Working with First Nations communities in key business streams is a core part of Viva Energy’s Third Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, which was launched last week.
Background
Melville Islands
Melville Island (Tiwi: Yermalner) is an island in the eastern Timor Sea, 80km North West of Darwin. Along with Bathurst Island and nine smaller uninhabited islands, it forms part of the group known as the Tiwi Islands, which are under the jurisdiction of the Northern Territory in association with the Tiwi Land Council as the regional authority. The Tiwi Islands are controlled by eight clans, all of which will benefit from this deal, with the land ultimately inalienable from the indigenous people, per the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.
Tiwi Port and Marine and the fuel facility
Located at South Barlow Point, 63 nautical miles north of Darwin, Port Melville offers a security regulated port approved by the Commonwealth Government of Australia.
Port Melville is a multi-user facility supporting the Northern Territory oil and gas industry, marine transport industry and local Tiwi community through the provision of a port facility and ancillary services.
The Port Melville fuel facility consists of three vertical storage tanks with the capacity to hold up to 30 million litres of fuel. The facility also has a motor control centre room, dispensing pump skid, metering skid, wastewater system, slops tank, fire protection and a light vehicle refuelling system.
The RAP is part of Viva Energy’s broader community program which aims to have a positive impact in the communities where it operates. For more information visit vivaenergy.com.au/sustainability/community.
