The report from a study commissioned in 2002 to identify economic, social and environmental factors associated with developing a range of potential industry estates in the Pilbara has been released.
Those estates featured in the report include Maitland/West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert/Dixon Island, Cape Preston, Onslow and Oakajee.
Key findings of the Northern Strategic Industry Areas Environmental, Social and Economic Study included:
- Each of the SIAs had environmental features worth preserving that needed to be managed effectively;
- Boodarie, Maitland/West Intercourse Island and Oakajee had potential to be strategic development hubs;
- The cost of providing infrastructure for construction of industries were relatively similar for all sites, except Cape Preston and Onslow where costs were an order of magnitude about other sites;
- Housing to support increased populations might be problematic; and
- While the Maitland/West Intercourse Island SIA provided a significant opportunity for strategic long-term development, West Intercourse Island’s Aboriginal rock art collections resulted in it being listed on the Register of the National Estate as an ‘indicative place’ awaiting assessment.
A six week public comment period has commenced and will conclude on September 23. Copies of the study can be downloaded from www.doir.wa.gov.au or obtained by phoning 9327 5555.