Offshore staff

(Tasmania) -- More than $313 million in investments offshore Tasmania are expected over the next five years, says Bryan Green, resources minister.

"So far this year, 14 permits have been granted, and there is the potential for five more to be granted over the next 12 months," Green said.

Seven of the 14 permits are off King Island and the west coast of Tasmania.

The permits cover five years and it is over than span in which the spending will be made. The first work committed involves 16 seismic surveys and 14 wells.

6/28/06