A new $41.8 million hospital is to be built in Onslow, West Australian Premier Colin Barnett has announced.
Oil and gas giant Chevron will contribute $22 million towards the project as part of a $250 million commitment towards infrastructure for the Pilbara town as it builds the nearby Wheatstone liquefied natural gas project.
The State Government will fund the remainder.
Mr Barnett also released further detail about a number of other projects funded by Chevron, the State Government and the Shire of Ashburton which have previously been announced or are already underway, including funds to complete the airport upgrade and new recreation facilities.
He said the projects would ensure the community could cope with expected population growth in coming years.
“As part of the Wheatstone liquefied natural gas project nearby, Onslow’s going to experience immense growth over coming years. Its population will probably double to well over 2,000 people,” Mr Barnett said.
Work on the hospital is expected to begin in 2016 and be completed in 2018.
The existing building which contains asbestos will be demolished once the new facility has opened.
Worker accommodation decision angers protesters
Mr Barnett also addressed a group of 10 protesters upset by Chevron’s decision not to build an accommodation village for 300 fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers in the town as it had promised to.
They held signs saying “Mr Barnett keep Chevron to its promise” and “Colin why have you sold Onslow out to Chevron?”.
Mr Barnett said he had agreed with the company when it asked him to consider accommodating the FIFO workers at the Wheatstone site.
“When fly-in fly-out workers are working 12-hour shifts they don’t need up to an hour’s drive from town out to work and back each day,” he said.
“I think in terms of safety – not only transport safety but the welfare of workers, their peace of mind, their ability to do their job well – that is the best place for them to be so I don’t apologise about that decision.
“I think the business community now realises that decision has been made but there will be opportunities for business in Onslow to supply services from Onslow or out to the site itself.”