The ExxonMobil Oil Search liquefied natural gas (LNG) project will create up to 7,000 new jobs over the lifetime of the project, group managing director Peter Botton has announced.

Speaking to Radio Australia, the director reported that the company has recently allocated $600 million (£365.5 million) to new early works programmes, including roadworks, port upgrades, staff training and community investment, paving the way for large-scale job creation in the country.

Commenting on the investment, Mr Botton said: "It is quite an opportunity undoubtedly to go to the landowners in the communities ... and we saw that as being very important in bringing the community along."

He added that while there are still a number of important decisions to make, final approval for the project is expected to be achieved by the end of the year.

ExxonMobil and Oil Search reached an agreement with the government of Papua New Guinea to move ahead with the project in May 2008.

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