Published on Thursday, 21 October 2010 at 12:00:00 AM
The Shire of Ashburton has rejected a proposal by US oil giant Chevron to house its workers in the vicinity of the proposed Wheatstone Liquid Natural Gas Project 15kms to the south west of the town of Onslow, stating that it would result in “a two town scenario.”
Shire of Ashburton Council, at its ordinary meeting held on 20 October 2010, considered the matter of accommodation arrangements for Chevron’s operational workforce.
Chevron proposed that 75 percent of the operational workforce which would comprise of almost 300 to 400 workers would be accommodated in transient accommodation.
The company argued that due to the lack of utilities in Onslow, particularly power, water, waste water, as well as the lack of social infrastructure, including medical, emergency and day care services, it made it inappropriate to locate the operational workforce in the town.
The company also suggested that costs involved in housing staff in town could be a significant issue.
Council, after considering the matter, decided that it would not support a company sponsored amendment to the Shire’s Planning Scheme which would have enabled the company to base its operational workforce in the vicinity of the proposed LNG plant for the 50-year life of the project.
Council did, however, resolve that it would support a planning scheme amendment which would enable the LNG project to proceed, but with a workforce based in Onslow.
When questioned on the matter, Shire President Greg Musgrave said:
“The shire is excited by the possibility of Chevron constructing the proposed Wheatstone LNG project on the proposed Ashburton North Strategic Industrial Area, particularly as it will represent the first major step in the development of the proposed hydro carbon precinct. The Shire is, however, of the opinion that development must not be to the detriment of the local community and Onslow in particular.”
He stated:
“While the Shire appreciate the company’s comments relating to existing infrastructure in Onslow, the fact remains that the operational workforce accommodation does not need to be in place for five years and this leaves sufficient time for hard and social infrastructure to be put in place within the town.
The Shire is in fact, working proactively with both the company and relevant State Government agencies to address these and other planning matters in order to ensure the project’s success.
The Shire is particularly concerned that the construction of an operational workforce accommodation facility adjacent the Wheatstone LNG facility would set an unacceptable precedent whereby future operators of developments in the hydro carbon industrial hub would also accommodate staff in the same location. This would result in a “two town scenario” with 700-800 workers located in a “workers village adjacent to the industrial development but also close to Onslow for the next 50 years or more.”
He concluded by saying that:
“The Shire will continue to work with the company and the State Government, in order to reach an outcome that meets the needs of all parties.”
MEDIA CONTACTS
Enquires in relation to this matter should be made to the Shire President, Cr Greg Musgrave, Telephone: 0417 080 037.
Back to All News