Karratha and Dampier accommodation issues to be given a priority

30/07/01
A taskforce to oversee accommodation and related issues associated with the influx of construction workforces into the Nickol Bay area has been established by the new Labor Government, Minister for the Pilbara Tom Stephens announced today.
Robyn Crane, CEO of the Pilbara Development Commission, will chair the taskforce with representatives from local government, industry and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The taskforce will work closely with unions and community groups.
"The Burrup Peninsula has been identified for a number of committed and potential major resource development projects by companies such as Woodside Energy Pty Ltd, Synthroleum Corporation Gas-to-Liquid Plant and Oswal Chemicals and Fertilisers Ltd Ammonia Plant," Mr Stephens said.
"This represents a significant economic boost for the region and Western Australia and I commend the commitment of these companies towards regional WA.
"However, we must be ready to meet the challenges of the huge influx of associated workers who will place a great strain on existing accommodation levels in the area.
"If not managed correctly, increased rental and housing costs will cause considerable social dislocation with many long-term residents being displaced as the increased level of rents become unaffordable.
"I am concerned about the people living in the region and recognise their fears.
"It is important to get on the front foot to prevent spiralling housing and associated costs; the taskforce is a positive step forward in working towards a solution."
To counterbalance the anticipated problems in the future, Mr Stephens discouraged people from going to Karratha prior to securing a job and accommodation.
The taskforce will:

• assess the demand for various forms of accommodation, based on the construction of the North West Shelf Joint Venture Liquid Natural Gas expansion plus the potential developments including the indirect effects;

• identify the supply of various types of accommodation currently available and likely to be available in the immediate and foreseeable future;

• identify the shortfall between supply and demand for different categories of housing;

• ensure that land development occurs at a rate, which enables any shortfall in supply to be readily met; and

• develop strategies to minimise the negative impact and maximise the benefits to the community of the additional accommodation needs.