Published on Wednesday, 28 June 2023 at 8:38:47 AM
City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Councillors have endorsed for public consultation to begin on BHP Nickel West’s expression of interest (EOI) submission for the construction of a temporary workforce accommodation development on City-owned land.
The BHP Nickel West submission was selected from three submissions, which were summarised and presented for Council consideration at this month’s agenda briefing
session.
BHP Nickel West has proposed to lease 1 Trasimeno Way, Sommerville, and a 107,611m2 portion of Lot 9000 Bates Drive, to construct a temporary 1000-bed workforce
accommodation development for a period of three years, plus three one-year options.
Mayor John Bowler said Council had decided to advertise the proposal so that Councillors could understand the community’s position and thoughts before making a decision on the lease.
“Residents will be able to make submissions to inform a further report to Council, at which time Council may consider providing a lease to BHP.”
“If a lease is supported the development on the site would still be subject to standard Development Application processes and consultation.”
“We want the community to provide feedback on the proposal,” said Mayor Bowler.
“This is a big decision for the City, and we want to do what is best for our community long term.”
“Council’s position on FIFO has not changed, we will always prioritise a residential workforce, and the temporary nature of BHP Nickel West’s proposal is consistent with the City’s Workforce Accommodation Local Planning Policy.”
“Any lease arrangements and planning approvals would reflect the temporary nature of the workforce accommodation, which would be removed once the lease was completed.”
“BHP have advised that 60% of its workforce for its Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter Renewal Project would be housed in the temporary village, and this would not only ease the burden on residential housing but also have significant benefits for the local economy.”
All three EOI submissions, including Westralia Holdings Pty Ltd and Jubilee Living Ptd Ltd, were assessed against the City’s adopted Land Acquisition and Disposal Policy and Land Acquisition and Disposal Strategy.
BHP Nickel West’s submission was recommended to Council due to the significant financial return it could in terms of future services for ratepayers. These funds would be held in City’s Future Projects Reserve, for the development of the area as traditional residential housing.
Council also resolved for CEO, Andrew Brien to work with the other two submitters to progress their proposal on other suitably zoned City owned land.
The public consultation period of 28 days will be advertised through public notices and on the City’s website in the coming days and will include more information for residents including frequently asked questions.
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