Decmil Group's plan for a $120 million camp to house more than 850 fly-in, fly-out workers at the proposed gas hub in the Kimberley has been given a conditional green light by a state government planning panel.
Amid some angry scenes from protesters, the Kimberley Joint Development Assessment Panel conditionally approved the camp, which would temporarily house workers while a bigger permanent camp is built nearer James Price Point - if Woodside Petroleum's $40 billion project goes ahead.
The proposed village would be developed by construction contractor Decmil as a private investment.
The listed company would build, own and operate the facility through HomeGround Villages, a wholly owned subsidiary.
Decmil said it is working in partnership with local indigenous organisation Nyimarr Limited to develop the village, which will deliver jobs, training opportunities and other benefits to the Kimberley indigenous community.
Decmil has identified the workforce servicing the Browse LNG project at James Price Point as potential tenants, and the commencement of construction of the village is contingent on a favourable final investment decision for the Browse LNG project.
The proposed camp will include a tavern and beer garden, a gym, a pool, multi-use courts and a playing field.
Oil and gas giant Woodside is sticking to its June schedule for a decision on building the onshore gas processing plant near Broome, with Premier Colin Barnett saying earlier this week that any delays could set the project back many years.
Meanwhile, Goolarabooloo Traditional Owners in the area have voiced concerns after the state's Department of Regional Development and Lands (RDL) requested the removal of signs and bollards near a sensitive dune system.
The owners said they had been told the signs would be removed by the RDL if they were not taken down by tomorrow. The fear is that this clears the way for Woodside to begin work.
"After all our work trying to protect this area, jumping bureaucratic hoops, RDL are trying to barge through so that Woodside can get access to desecrate our country. For what? There is no final investment decision on this project and everyone wants to float the gas," Senior Law Boss Phillip Roe said.
