PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian state government on Tuesday announced it would invest A$70-million into social and critical infrastructure projects in the Pilbara town of Onslow over the next three to four years.

Premier and State Development Minister Colin Barnett said the state government, the Shire of Ashburton and US energy major Chevron would deliver the majority of the projects.

“Almost a dozen state agencies are involved in delivering these projects to ensure that the Onslow community directly benefits from major nearby projects like the Wheatstone and Macedon natural gas developments,” Barnett said.

Key projects include a new hospital, a swimming pool, a shire administration centre, an all-weather access road into town, an airport terminal and runway, government workers' housing, a power station and a water plant.

“Onslow is a small and geographically isolated town, and together these projects will improve liveability and help ease some of the challenges associated with the increase in population due to major resource developments,” the Premier said.

The Chevron-operated Wheatstone project had committed more than A$250-million towards new and improved infrastructure in Onslow, while the state government, through various agencies, was contributing about A$70-million, including A$10-million from the Royalties for Regions Pilbara Cities Initiative into the Onslow community development fund.
 
The state government was managing Chevron’s contributions to the remaining projects, which will help to improve the social, health and economic outlook of the town.

BHP Billiton, which recently completed the nearby Macedon domestic gas project, is also contributing A$5-million toward a basketball centre and skate park in Onslow, both to be delivered in late 2015.

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) on Tuesday welcomed the investment, with CEO Reg Howard-Smith saying it would improve the amenities available and the quality of life for Onslow residents.

Howard-Smith said that the strong partnership approach between government and the industry participants would ensure the ongoing, sustainable growth of Pilbara communities, to the benefit of industry and local residents.