Port Hedland councillors reject FIFO camp plan in Kingsford Smith industrial estate

The Town of Port Hedland has refused an application by MGM group to develop a FIFO camp between Port and South Hedland. The proposed site for the development was lot 436 Bayley Retreat, Port Hedland within the Kingsford Smith Business Park. The Town of Port Hedland officers’ recommendation to the council was to refuse the application due to several inconsistencies within the town’s local planning framework. Key concerns included the workforce accommodation creating an adverse relationship with the surrounding land which is designated for a range of commercial and industrial uses. It was also noted that the isolation of residents in the proposed accommodation would limit opportunities for social cohesion with permanent residents of Hedland and that the disconnect between the site and the town centres would not result in reciprocal benefits for the community. Cr Tim Turner said more needed to be done by the business to convince the council to go ahead with the development. “We as a council want to see the social impact assessment and the community investment strategy,” he said. “It is remiss of them, and others, to make this request and not discuss with us how they are going to invest in the town.” The officers’ recommendations were accepted unanimously by the councillors, with the exception of Cr Elmar Zielke who declared a financial interest in the matter and did not vote.