Village Project Approved
08/11/2010
MOREE, Nov 8 Border News – CONSTRUCTION of a 242 bed village on the outskirts of Narrabri should start within weeks following the go-ahead from Narrabri Shire Council.
The Council unanimously endorsed a Development Application (DA) from The MAC Services Group Ltd to build the village on a site on the Old Gunnedah Road.
The DA tabled at the meeting on November 3 was modified after councillors felt that references to a ‘staged” development should be deleted.
Council approved the DA for the “stand alone” project, with several conditions.
The village will primarily house miners employed at White Haven’s Coal and Maules Creek Coal and Narrabri RSL Club.
Two residents expressed concerns about a number of issues.
The MAC hopes to have the village in operation as soon as possible. Construction will take up to six months.
The MAC executives at the meeting acknowledged that the project faced time pressures because of the need to house Narrabri Coal workers as production gathered momentum.
However, the village proposal had been the subject of a detailed assessment by council’s planning department over the last months.
Cr Peter Etheridge moved the DA be approved, seconded by Cr Lester Kelly who complimented council staff involved in the DA process.
“Congratulations to council staff who worked on this project for their comprehensive report,” said Cr Kelly.
“Well Done.”
Council later adopted Cr Clement’s amendment that DA be approved with the deletion of references to “Stages” of development.
Executives from the MAC made presentations to the council on the major elements of the proposal.
The location of the village had been chosen as the best available after an intensive search.
The 34 hectare site 1.2km from Narrabri offered the best option in terms of existing zoning, provision of utilities and proximity to the CBD.
The block was on the market, close to the mines, and on the “mine side” of Narrabri, reducing traffic through town.
The fact that village guests could walk into the CBD was a feature.
“We aim to encourage integration with the community,” said business development manager Jim Cook.
“There will be a great flow-on for community because the village is so close to town.”
Development manager Geoff Campbell said the village would engage about 50 workers during construction and provide ongoing employment for about 30 people.
Hiring preference would be given to local people.
Purchase of goods and services locally would be in the order of $500,000 each year.
Chief operating officer Chris Jury told the council an independent economist’s analysis indicated that the village would contribute about $1 million to the local economy each year.
An experienced village manager would be brought in initially, to set up the village.
Later a local manager would be sought and trained.
There would be opportunities for chefs and apprentice chefs.
“We see our contribution to the community as part of our licence to operate,” Mr Jury said.
Contributions in kind and support for a range of community bodies was part of the MAC’s philosophy.
“We do a fair bit” he said.
There was a public gallery for 25 at the meeting, including residents and representatives of mining companies.
Whitehaven Coal executive Alan Davies outlined to the council the development of Whitehaven’s Narrabri Coal mine and the coming growth in its workforce.
The mine would employ different categories of people at various stages of the mine’s development.
They included outside contractors, permanent employees and ongoing contractors coming and going.
A mix of accommodation types would be needed, including permanent and temporary accommodation.
Whitehaven had received 800 applications for positions at the mine, 100 were being interviewed and a further evaluation would be undertaken in January.
“There is a critical shortage of housing in the shire, motels are full, rental availability is low. It takes time to build new houses.
“Visiting executives and contractors will still need motel accommodation.”
“The village accommodation is critical for our operation.” He said. Maules Creek Mine general manager Lance Muir told the meeting construction at Maules Creek was expected to start in the second half of next year.
Construction workers numbers would peak at about 300 during a 12 month period.
Mine production would ramp up over the next three to four years.
It was anticipated 400 people would be ultimately employed across permanent employee and contractor categories.
“There will be an influx of people and we want to make sure there will be adequate accommodation.”
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