Proposed $73m accommodation village deferred

A development assessment panel was unable to decide on Albemarle's plan to build a 500-person accommodation village in Binningup, requesting community feedback before progressing.

Albemarle Corporation has proposed to build a $73.4 million facility for up to 500 construction workers on the expansion of its lithium plant in the Kemerton Strategic Industrial Area.

The US-based company started construction in the area to develop Kemerton lithium hydroxide processing plant in 2019.

Town planners element, on behalf of Albemarle, lodged the application for a accommodation village on 96 Binningup Road to the Regional Joint Development Assessment Panel.

The Shire of Harvey recommended the JDAP refuse the application, as the subject site is zoned for 'general farming' use in the local planning scheme and not 'workforce accommodation'.

However, panel members voted by three to two to defer the application for up to 60 days at its meeting this morning.

Deputy presiding member Kanella Hope said the application could be considered as residential building and asked the shire to compile a new responsible authority report with community and external agency input.

JDAP presiding member Tony Arias said the decision should not be construed as support for the proposal.

"We haven’t had advice from a referral agency, this is a substantial application and in order for JDAP to make a considered decision it does need input from those agencies and input from the community," he said.

Panel member and shire president Paul Gillett said he was concerned on the impact on the surrounding wetlands and the community.

"As a farmer, I see the need to retain the eminence of agriculture and refuse this development," Mr Gillett said during the meeting.

"I do understand going to advertising so the community can be heard. I’m grateful for that but I’ll stick out on a limb."

An Albemarle Lithium spokesperson said the company welcomed today's decision to progress to public advertising.

"The proposal to construct a high quality and purpose-built temporary accommodation village on the edge of Binningup is essential to house the workforce necessary for expansion of Albemarle’s Kemerton Lithium plant," the spokesperson said.

"This is a major investment in the Shire of Harvey and the state.

"The JDAP decision now paves the way for Albemarle to further engage with the local community on responsible development of the site to provide maximum benefits and minimum impacts for our workers, local residents, businesses, and the economy.

"During construction of Kemerton, our workforce was housed in local tourist accommodation and provided vital support and a positive experience for the sector during difficult COVID times. Understandably, that accommodation is now needed for returning tourists."

The 24.5-hectare piece of land at 96 Binningup Road is owned by B & J Catalano.

The proposed development comprises 128 accommodation villas, a commercial kitchen, communal dining hall, recreation and wellness centre, seven laundries and a 350-bay car park.

Other proposed features include an outdoor swimming pool, basketball courts, gym and mini golf.

According to the shire's responsible authority report, the village would be temporary and subject to a 10- to 15-year lease with the landowner.