Now expected to cost $265 million - an increase of 15% - the WKPP involves the production of liquefied natural gas near Karratha, which would then be trucked to five remote power stations in Broome, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, Halls Creek and Looma.

In a statement today, Energy Developments managing director Chris Laurie said construction of the LNG plant and three of the power stations had been delayed due to the wet weather brought by the cyclones.

“These delays have been exacerbated by an ongoing resource and accommodation shortage at Karratha,” he said.

“Despite our best efforts, these unavoidable delays at the plant mean that LNG will not be available to meet the previously announced commercial operation targets for the five power stations.”

The latest cost blow-out follows last year’s 23% increase in the original budget of $150 million to $185 million.

Construction of the power stations at Looma, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek has also been delayed by the wet weather and the shortage of resources, the company said.

But work on the Broome power station is now mostly complete and has successfully passed the initial electricity performance trials.

The Broome fuel storage pipeline is almost complete and construction of the fuel storage facility is well advanced. Commissioning of the Derby power station has started and construction of the Derby LNG fuel storage is also at an advanced stage, Energy Developments said.