State releases NW infrastructure study

The state government has released a study that nominated Anketell Port or Port Hedland's Lumsden Point to house a marine-based common user facility in the north-west.

The study, released today by Commerce Minister Simon O'Brien and Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls, focused on identifying potential locations and the types of infrastructure needed to support the growth of the oil and gas, resources, defence, housing, building and construction industries.

A common user facility would potentially consist of wharves, lifting lay down areas, repair and maintenance and load-out facilities.

"There is already significant demand for CUF infrastructure in the region, and as more resource projects in the State become a reality this demand will grow even further.," Mr O'Brien said.

"Upcoming projects such as Gorgon, Wheatstone, Browse and Ichthys will require this infrastructure for subsea installation and ongoing inspection, maintenance and repair work for more than 30 years.

"By investing in this common-use infrastructure, the State is encouraging the development of local industries to service these projects."

Mr Grylls said a potential facility would diversify the economic base in the North-West and provide more opportunities for the State's regional communities to flourish.

"The facility could also assist in reducing the cost of building and construction in the Pilbara by providing appropriate infrastructure to assist companies to deliver housing and buildings in a more cost effective and productive manner.

"I see this potential development as an opportunity to encourage more people to live in the North-West and create sustainable communities that will further enhance this area."

Mr O'Brien said an initiative of this kind was not new, as the state had experience in establishing common use infrastructure to assist industry development and investment attraction.

"The project would be modelled on the very successful CUF at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC), 30 minutes south of Perth," he said.

"The AMC CUF provides relevant infrastructure for the oil and gas, defence, marine and resources sectors. The facility has been used by more than 100 different companies to undertake in excess of 350 multi-million dollar contracts since it first opened in 2003.

"The next step will be to form a steering committee which will continue the excellent work that has already taken place through the initial study."