Laverton sites for mining workers' village

• Site to be examined for FIFO workers' village

• Village to increase support for local business and ease housing shortage

Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls today said the State Government was progressing with a land investigation to assist in finding a site for a proposed fly-in fly-out miners' accommodation in Laverton.

Mr Grylls said investigations were under way on assembling unallocated Crown land in Laverton to determine a suitable location for a proposed miners' accommodation village.

Due to accommodation shortages in Laverton, mining companies have had no option but to build lodgings at mine sites for fly-in fly-out workers.

The Minister said the proposed development aimed to support the growth of the community and the local economy by encouraging the integration of workers into the community and increasing local business.

"This is about long-term viability, development and growth," he said.

"The Shire of Laverton commissioned a feasibility report for the village and identified two preferred sites within the town. The village would not only benefit local businesses but also provide a healthier lifestyle option for workers."

Mr Grylls said he would work with the shire to evaluate land assembly options for the proposed development.

The shire's feasibility report, published in March 2012, consulted three mining companies in the region.

      Fact File

• Laverton is 360km north-east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder

• Laverton's main industries:  nickel and gold mining, tourism and pastoralism

• Liberal-National Govt has provided more than $1million under Royalties for Regions (RfR) Country Local Government Fund for revitalisation of Laverton town precinct

• RfR also provided funding under the Regional Grants scheme of $32,000 to Laverton Leonora Cross Cultural Association for a women's art project

Minister's office - 6552 5500