Onslow gets new hospital, airport upgrade

Onslow will receive a new hospital and complete its airport redevelopment following the state government’s announcement of two new funding packages today.

The state government will tap $13 million from its Onslow Community Development Fund to pay for the completion of the Onslow airport redevelopment project.

The Shire of Ashburton approached the state government to fund the project earlier this year after construction costs exceeded the $30 million budgeted for the project.

All of the initial $30 million was contributed by Chevron.

The Onslow fund was also created with assistance from Chevron, after a 2011 agreement for the Wheatstone project in which a $10 million Royalties for Regions contribution was matched with a $5 million grant from Chevron.

The $US29 billion Wheatstone project is under development to produce LNG from off coast of Onslow.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the fund was to provide benefits for the local community.

“Completion of the Onslow Airport will increase recreational opportunities for locals and visitors, delivering great economic opportunities for the community and improving the quality of life,” Mr Redman said.

The state government also announced a new $41.8 million hospital to be completed in Onslow by 2018.

The Royalties for Regions program will fund $19.8 million, while Chevron Australia will contribute $22 million.

Work is expected to begin to replace Onslow’s 49-year-old hospital in 2016.

Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia chief executive Reg Howard-Smith supported the moves.

“The gtate government’s announcement comes on top of Chevron Australia’s commitment of more than $250million to infrastructure in Onslow,” Mr Howard-Smith said. 

“The government’s commitment of around $70 million of investment from various government agencies will improve the amenities available and the quality of life for Onslow residents.

“BHP Billiton’s contribution towards community infrastructure will also improve local amenities.”

The government also announced a new swimming pool,  a shire administration centre, an all-weather access road to the town, housing for government workers, a power station and a water plant.

Chevron will construct the power station and water plant, while the state government will manage the remaining projects.

The town is projected to have a population of 2,000 by 2022, doubling from its current level.