LandCorp seeks EOI for Karratha "motel" facility

LandCorp will seek expressions of interest for the construction of a short-term accommodation facility at Woodside's Gap Ridge construction camp in Karratha, Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Alannah MacTiernan has announced.

The facility is expected to house 1,000 workers in a "motel-like" facility, who in turn will work with LandCorp to develop over 800 home sites planned for Baynton West.

The news comes as the state government announced the signing of an in-principle agreement between LandCorp and Woodside to provide 50 beds at Gap Ridge for the use of contractors and builders at residential developments being undertaken by the Government.

The full text of a Ministerial announcement is pasted below

The State Government is working with the resources sector to boost short-term accommodation for builders in the Pilbara.

"An in-principle agreement between the Government's agency LandCorp and Woodside will provide 50 beds at Woodside's new construction camp at Gap Ridge in Karratha," Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said today.

"These will be for the exclusive use of civil works contractors and builders at residential developments being undertaken by the Government.

"The availability of accommodation means more builders will be attracted to work on homes that are being built as a result of the Government's accelerated land release program.

"The agreement is part of the Government's efforts to attract builders from throughout Australia to help fast-track the construction of new homes on the 340 lots that we have provided at Karratha in the past 18 months."

Woodside will provide 32 beds by the end of the year and a further 18 in early 2009. As part of the agreement, LandCorp will allocate 140 residential lots at its developments in Karratha for the long term housing needs of Woodside's permanent workforce, to be sold at market price.

Woodside's Pluto LNG project director Lucio Della Martina said a collaborative approach was required in these super-charged economic times.

"Woodside recognises the importance of contributing to the communities in which we operate and is pleased to have reached an agreement with the State Government that will assist in addressing the accommodation shortage in Karratha," Mr Della Martina said.

To further boost building capacity in the Pilbara, the Minister said that LandCorp would also seek Expressions of Interest (EOI) from private developers to construct a separate short-term 'motel-like' accommodation facility for up to 1,000 workers.

"With works well under way for a further land release at LandCorp's Nickol West development before the end of the year, the Woodside agreement will help address immediate accommodation needs," Ms MacTiernan said.

"However, with more than 800 additional home sites planned for Baynton West, a 20ha parcel of land at Gap Ridge has been identified to accommodate the growing construction workforce delivering new homes in the town."

The EOI opens today (Wednesday, September 5).