Base to create ‘100 permanent jobs’

A major step towards diversifying the Onslow economy has been taken as construction starts on the $125 million Onslow Marine Support Base.

The support base being built in Beadon Creek will support the oil and gas industry, with Agility Logistics already signed on to use the base.

Onslow Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Chantelle King said the base had been the talk of the Pilbara since being discussed at the recent New Pilbara conference.

“It will bring at least 100 permanent jobs into the future as the project develops,” she said.

“There will be a lot of opportunities for local businesses during construction. It flew under the radar for a while but now it is actually going ahead.”

Construction of the base at Beadon Creek will employ more than 100 workers over three stages of development.

North West Central MLA Vince Catania said the base had the potential to provide more benefits to Onslow than Wheatstone.

“In terms of benefiting local business and having a local workforce, this is one of the best projects for Onslow,” he said.

“It complements what’s going on in Onslow and has the full support of the community.

“This is not only a big win for the community, but a big win for companies like Chevron and BHP, enabling them to access services close to their operations.”

Mr Catania said he would like to see Government aid expansion of the project, potentially funded through the proposed increase of the special lease rental.

OMSB director Andrew Natta was unavailable for comment but has previously stated the base would be a game-changer for WA’s competitiveness in the oil and gas sector He said the base would represent cost advantages to the oil and gas sector, increasing economic activity.

Agriculture and commercial fishing have been highlighted as industries which could benefit in the long term as well. The base is slated for completion by late 2017.