Published on Friday, 23 April 2010 at 12:00:00 AM
A milestone in the development of the gas industry in the West Pilbara has been made this week, after Shire of Ashburton Councilors unanimously voted to amend the Shire Town Planning Scheme to pave way for future development near the coastal town of Onslow.
Currently, land located at the proposed Ashburton North Strategic Industrial area earmarked for the building of two major LNG projects, has been zoned for rural use.
However following Council decision to amend the Shire’s Planning Scheme, council has commenced the planning process which will result in the land being zoned for strategic industrial purposes of State significance.
The land which is located 12 kms southwest of Onslow is set to hold two of the biggest LNG plants in WA and generate millions of tons of gas each year.
Projects which are presently the subject of feasibility studies for the site, include Chevron’s $30 billion LNG Wheatstone project which will consist of two LNG processing trains with a capacity of 4.3 million tons per year, the proposed Exxon and BHP’s Scarborough gas joint venture and BHP Billiton’s Macedon Domestic Gas Plant.
Shire of Ashburton Chief Executive Keith Pearson said the Shire had maintained a proactive response towards development of these exciting projects in the area. However he said community concerns also needed to be met.
“We have been proactive in establishing the criteria to ensure that an appropriate development occurs, however we have to be mindful of local issues in the Onslow community. “
“We are in the embryonic stage of the coastal region of Onslow becoming an LNG gas precinct.”
The proposed planning scheme will be put out for public comment over the next six weeks. The amendment and any submissions received will then be considered by Council before they are submitted to the Minister for Planning John Day for final adoption.
Shire President Cr Greg Musgrave said the decision taken by Councilors made way for massive projects which had global and national significance.
“Council should be proud of the work taken over the last two to three years to achieve such an outcome.”
MEDIA CONTACTS
Shire of Ashburton President Greg Musgrave – 0417 020 037
Shire of Ashburton Chief Executive Keith Pearson – 9188 4457 or 0407 383 788
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