Mining giant BHP Billiton has slashed the size of its proposed workers accommodation camp at Port Hedland, after opposition from state and local governments.
The company previously proposed a 6,000-person camp for its construction workers on a section of land at Hedland International Airport that is owned by the Town of Port Hedland, which last month knocked back the plan.
Under the new proposal thrashed out between the state government, the council and the company, the number of workers to be accommodated has been reduced to 2000, regional development minister Brendon Grylls said in a statement.
That number will be increased to up to 4,000 if, as expected, BHP Billiton's iron ore division proceeds with its outer harbour development at Port Hedland.
The Minister added that "the company will develop 1,000 permanent residences, including 600 residential dwellings, at Port Hedland in the next five years, and continue to work with the Pilbara Cities office and the Town of Port Hedland to find housing solutions for service workers in the community.
“In addition, the lease term on the land, which is owned by the Town of Port Hedland, has been reduced from 25 years to 10 years with a five-year extension option.”
The Minister said that BHP Billiton Iron Ore would make a substantial upfront payment to the Town of Port Hedland, and provide an ongoing revenue stream to assist in achieving the Pilbara Cities vision.
"We want to reduce the impact of FIFO on the communities of the Pilbara, and BHP Billiton Iron Ore has clearly considered this when revising the plan," Mr Grylls said.
"In addition, the lease term on the land, which is owned by the Town of Port Hedland, has been reduced from 25 years to 10 years with a five-year extension option."
The council will consider the revised proposal at a meeting being held on March 12.
