Published on Tuesday, 16 December 2014 at 12:00:00 AM
The Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White has expressed disappointment on receiving the news that Chevron Australia will not be entering into an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Shire.
Chevron Australia Managing Director Roy Krzywosinski has written to Cr White to advise that the company is not prepared to enter into an MoU, which was proposed by Council at its September meeting in an effort to improve the relationship between the two organisations.
Cr White said that the Shire had sought the MoU in response to feedback from residents who feel let down by Chevron’s decision to renege on its previous commitment to locate its operational accommodation village in the townsite. “I am constantly receiving feedback from ratepayers that Chevron doesn’t understand Onslow and its community,” Cr White said.
“The facility upgrades proposed in the State Agreement are welcomed, but the Onslow community also requires a genuine willingness from Chevron to engage, integrate and contribute to the district’s ongoing community wellbeing and economic development.
“The MoU was seen as a way to find a new way forward. The Shire wishes to maximise social and economic benefits for Onslow – both during the remainder of the construction phase and then for the 50 or so years that Wheatstone will be in operation.
“Whilst disappointed with Chevron’s decision, the Shire wishes to continue to work with Chevron to better understand its philosophy for community development in Onslow so that a mutually prosperous long term relationship can be assured.”
The matter will be discussed with Councillors when they next meet in January 2015.
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