Study of industry and planning needs around Dampier port

15/5/96

Calls by industry for marine-based facilities to service the rapidly growing oil and gas industry near the port of Dampier have prompted the State Government to undertake a feasibility study.

The Department of Commerce and Trade, Landcorp and other agencies will co-operate to commission the study, which will examine industry and planning needs.

The study is intended to identify facilities considered commercially or economically feasible and point to where both private and public sector can participate in the development of facilities.

Announcing the study, Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan and Lands Minister Graham Kierath said a master plan was needed to guide the development of an industrial site for the growing number of enterprises locating in Western Australia to service the oil and gas industry.

Mr Cowan said the study reflected the planned approach by the State Government to significant industrial activity now under way in the Pilbara.

"Calls by businesses serving the oil and gas industry to access areas of Crown land on the Burrup peninsula need to be analysed carefully before decisions are made," he said.

"Infrastructure to the value of some $20 million to $30 million is needed for the area.

"Because of the urgent needs of industry we must conclude this analysis quickly."

Mr Cowan said environmental issues would be considered in the study.

"We need to look at the medium-term future; what is feasible and what will give us a return on our capital investment.

"We also have to ensure that the land and infrastructure facilities can serve multiple users."

Mr Kierath said businesses had expressed a need for a new wharf, slipway and lay-down facilities in the Dampier area.

The study will take about six months.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222-9595