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"We are taking all possible steps to ensure the health and safety of our employees and contractors," Mitsui said.
The JV is working with state and federal governments to ensure it is "complying with all regulations and proposals developed specifically for COVID-19 management at resource sites".
Mitsui says it is "prioritising local and Western Australian personnel" for the Waitsia development, which is about a four hour drive north of Perth.
Western Australia has not just closed its borders to other nations and states but has restricted intra-region travel, limiting people to staying within their own region to limit the spread of the virus. There are exceptions for essential services and workers.
All staff must complete a COVID-19 self-assessment questionnaire before travel is approved and then are required to carry a travel authorisation letter from their employer.
When complete Waitsia stage 1 will supply 20 terajoules a day to Western Australia
"The economic contribution of Australia's oil and gas industry is particularly crucial as other parts of the economy are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic," it said.
Mitsui took operatorship of the gas project when it bid successfully for AWE in early 2018.
