shire of perenjori · pdf filethis form of iron ore ... a proposed 300 km slurry pipeline...
TRANSCRIPT
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Shire of Perenjori Prospectus
Investing in your future!
Introduction
Welcome to Perenjori. We have a reputation in
Perenjori for innovation and resilience. Having
overcome drought, and the title of the fastest shrinking
town in Australia in 2006, Perenjori has seen
population growth at well above the state average,
due to the diversification of the economy. Significant
resources have been expended to support mining
Projects, the development of tourism and it’s tradition-
al industry of agriculture.
This has been achieved by the Shire and the
community developing plans and initiatives to enable the Shire and its residents to achieve these
aspirations.
Perenjori Achievements
Centre for Mining
Over a decade ago the Shire of Perenjori hosted a forum titled the North East Midlands Economic Devel-
opment Summit. The Shire laid out a master plan to take advantage of potential new mining ventures,
particularly iron ore, and started the process of engagement with the mining industry. The Shire had a
pivotal role in Mount Gibson developing a plan to export via Geraldton rather than Kwinana, a decision
that was critical to the deepening of the Geraldton Port.
Perenjori has 4 significant mining ventures that are set to impact on the future of the town and help real-
ise the vision of being an “Inland centre for mining and agriculture”. Importantly these include significant
magnetite projects. This form of iron ore is highly capital and energy intensive, and as a result usually
involves large scale, long term operations and significant infrastructure investment.
Mining projects in this region will contribute to the following:
A proposed 300 km slurry pipeline between Extension Hill east of Perenjori and Geraldton port;
Two new dedicated 330kv power lines totalling over 250 kms;
Upgraded rail between Perenjori and Geraldton; and
Over 150 km of highway standard bitumen roads in Perenjori alone.
Entry Statement
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Shire of Perenjori Prospectus
Investing in your future!
This is in addition to an estimated Minesite investment of well over $2 Billion, and a temporary workforce
that will peak at in excess of 2,500, most of them in the Shire of Perenjori.
Karara Mining Site—Perenjori WA
The case for preparing for a new future that involves providing services to the mining industry, and taking ad-
vantage of common use infrastructure is clear. When the Shire of Perenjori took the decision to
pursue that vision, most people did not believe it would happen. Local Projects include:
The Karara Iron Ore Project is a magnetite mine 65 km north east of Perenjori involving over $2.75B to-
tal investment and a projected mine life of 30 to 50 years. Construction includes power lines, rail lines,
water pipelines and on site infrastructure. While initially exporting through Geraldton, Karara will be a
foundation customer for Oakajee;
Extension Hill magnetite is a similar sized project to Karara, but ore will be transported by slurry pipe-
line;
Extension Hill Haematite – this Mount Gibson Iron project has a scheduled mine life of 6 years at 3 mil-
lion tonnes per annum. From July 2011 ore has been trucked 80 km from the mine to a rail siding in
Perenjori, and sent by rail to Geraldton; and
Koolanooka Blue Hills – this Sinosteel project is redeveloping 3 old pits last mined in the 1960’s, and will
be mining for around 5 years. Two of the 3 pits are in the Shire of Perenjori.
Top Iron Mummaloo Project — This involves surface mining of a Pisolite material. Up to 100 staff will be
employed during construction and approx. 36 during production. It is planned to produce 1.5 mill tones
per annum for a period of 10 years.
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Shire of Perenjori Prospectus
Investing in your future!
Living in Perenjori—Quality of Life
Give me Land
Council recognised that the lack availability of land for future development could be a major impediment,
and worked with the State to release 8 light industrial blocks. All but three has been sold.
Council developed from its own resources a new sub-division of 19 residential blocks including 3 duplex
sites. A further 3 lots are also under development.
Housing
The cost of housing in rural and remote WA has long been an issue. Council has set out to try to find inno-
vative solutions.
In partnership with the University of WA School of Architecture the
Shire has developed a prototype eco-house. The housing model in-
volves manufacturing housing components for assembly on site with
unskilled labour – in other words flat packed housing;
Council has obtained funding from the Mid West Development Com-
mission and a commitment from Karara Mining for a long term lease
that will allow a second prototype to be built;
Council is aiming to build two units for staff housing including two 2
bed and 2 bath units;
Key worker housing for employees of local service businesses is the next housing priority. The picture be-
low shows a key worker house being built in Perenjori, which will offer spacious executive living ideal for a
family, with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
Residential blocks are available in town at very reasonable prices, for a variety of family sizes. There is also
Council and private rentals available depending on the demands at the time.
Eco Flat Pack House
Keyworker House construction
2013
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Shire of Perenjori Prospectus
Investing in your future!
Temporary Accommodation
One of the ways to maximise the benefits of mining developments
has been to try to ensure that some workers are based in town.
From a base of a single park home 5 years ago, the shire now has
38 beds available for temporary stays. Strategies have included:
Four disused aged care units were relocated to the caravan
park and refurbished as chalets. These units offer some of
the best short term accommodation available in the region;
Council entered into a joint venture with Midwest Trans-
portables to develop a 16 room accommodation village at
the caravan park. The accommodation units are owned by
Midwest Transportables and managed by the Shire;
The Shire has negotiated with Mount Gibson Iron for its
drivers to be based in Perenjori, resulting in a 52 person ac-
commodation facility established in Perenjori.
A Better Road Network
Local Government’s tradition role was always defined as
roads, rates and rubbish. Even though our vision is broader and the list of
tasks greater, maintaining the best possible transport network remains a priority. The shire continues to
maintain its real investment in local roads. It has entered into an agreement with Main Roads to help in-
crease its capacity and capability. When the 4 existing mining projects are operating at design capacity,
the shire will have a total of over 150 km of new highway standard sealed road. Council commits at least
2.7 million dollars of it’s budget to roads per year. This includes ongoing maintenance and construction
projects.
In addition we will continue to invest in our roads based on a roads hierarchy that takes account of issues
such as grain freight logistics and school bus routes. The Mullewa—Wubin Highway is due to be widened
in 2014, providing an excellent safe transport route for all from Geraldton to Perenjori.
Caravan Park Chalet
Perenjori Accommodation Village
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Shire of Perenjori Prospectus
Investing in your future!
The Best in Recreation
Community life in regional WA revolves around sport. Every town
does its best to maintain adequate facilities, but Council has recog-
nised that a key attraction is the provision of high quality sport and
leisure facilities:
Following the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 there was a wave of
investment in swimming pools in Country towns. Perenjori was
the first pool outside a regional centre. In 2010 the old pool was
replaced with a brand new award winning aquatic facility, includ-
ing a gymnasium;
Perenjori’s sport club was built in the early 1960’s and enjoyed a major revamp in 2011, hosting a variety of community gatherings, including the ever popular social bowls competition
In 2011 the Shire replaced the entire reticulation system for the oval and hockey ground and reha-bilitated the playing surfaces which are some of the best in the Mid West; and
A completion of the new synthetic bowling green for Perenjori and Funding has been secured for the installation of a synthetic Bowling green in Latham
Council have completed the replaced the replacement of the tennis surface and relocated the net-ball and basketball courts.
Events
The Shire of Perenjori enjoys it fair share of major events, with
the town site of Perenjori celebrating its Centenary in 2012,
along with the Perenjori Agricultural Show held annually around
the middle weekend in August. The annual show is a great full
day and night event full of plenty on offer for all the family.
2013 will see the Shire of Perenjori Co-present with
Bush Heritage Australia the inaugural ‘Charles Darwin Reserve
Open Day’ and ‘Blues for the Bush’ event. On 5th October 2013 Blues bands
from across Australia will be performing, including Charles Jenkins, and Hat
Fitz and Cara! This promises to be a unique event, bringing the community
to part of Australia’s only Bio Diversity Hotspot, the Charles Darwin Reserve.
Perenjori Agricultural Show
Cody Sundstrom who will be performing at the Blues for the Bush
Perenjori Aquatic Centre
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Shire of Perenjori Prospectus
Investing in your future!
Education
Perenjori is an exciting place to be, and as a result many young couples are choosing to stay and make a fu-
ture in Perenjori. This has led to a baby boom that, if it continues, will see the population of the local prima-
ry school double in the next decade. The Perenjori Primary School was in the first group of “Independent
Public Schools” and is doing some very interesting work in early intervention programs.
Perenjori is privileged to have an excellent Primary School, which has Independent primary School status.
The School Principal and staff are very experienced mature teachers who are very committed to the
community and teaching of our children. The School boasts achieving outcomes which exceed those of like
schools and the state average. Children are provided with a high level of support and variety of programs
which many city families would be very envious of. On completion of Year 7 students can attend the Morawa
Secondary School to complete their schooling.
ATTENDING TO THE NEEDS OF FAMILIES
The Shire recognised the emerging need for a child care
centre, but when combined with the move from all levels
of government to address early childhood learning and de-
velopment issues, the concept of an early childhood devel-
opment centre evolved. Our research indicates that there
is one such service operating in metropolitan Perth, but
there is no such facility in regional areas.
The centre would combine child care, early childhood learning, infant and community health, speech and oc-
cupational therapy together with programs for parents and families, potentially including after school care.
It would be collocated with the primary school and allow a seamless transition between the centre and the
school.
Everything is in place for this project to go ahead,
Council are currently waiting on the minister to ap-
prove the final section of funding to begin the con-
struction of the $1.8 million project.
Perenjori Early Childhood Centre Steering Group
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Shire of Perenjori Prospectus
Investing in your future!
Working in Perenjori
Perenjori has two main industries based around mining
and agriculture, and the support services associated with
these industries. Perenjori has a number of businesses
based within the Shire, ranging from a boutique consul-
tancy company, to transport and logistics companies, a
super market, and a road house.
Perenjori is also in a great location, being only 200km
South East of Geraldton, and 350km North East of
Perth. The Shire has a number of mines within 80km of the main Perenjori town site, providing a host of
opportunities for residents to work, and with the Shire having negotiated with the mines to source as
many contractors locally as possible, Perenjori and the Mid West abounds with opportunities.
BUSINESS INCUBATOR PROJECT
The Shire of Perenjori is investing in infrastructure, which includes an exciting project to encourage start
up businesses in the Shire through developing a three stage business incubator project.
The Shire of Perenjori is expecting stage 1 of the Business Incubator Unit construction to be complete by
the end of 2013, creating three ready to use facilities for start up businesses to invest in.
By investing in the Business Incubator Unit, businesses will be able to enjoy guidance and support in
setting up their company, along with direct contact with the local mining industries, along with the op-
portunity to service the local towns needs.
We will continue to work with the mining companies and associated Industry groups to ensure locals are
provided with access to any opportunities.
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Shire of Perenjori Prospectus
Investing in your future!
Conservation
The Shire of Perenjori covers 8,000 square kilometres. Almost half of this
area is former pastoral country that has been set aside for conservation.
This includes land held by the Department of Environment and Conserva-
tion and the former White Wells Station, now the “Charles Darwin Re-
serve”, is owned by Bush Heritage Australia. The adjacent Mount Gibson
Station is owned by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.
These conservation areas are also highly prospective and are home to the
various emerging iron ore projects. The environmental assessments for
these projects generate an enormous body of information that is not effec-
tively used for other purposes. This information can form the foundation
for a range of environment programs and strategies.
Wreath Flowers Perenjori
Environment management
In Perenjori itself are the offices of the Yarra Yarra Catchment Management Group and the Northern Agri-
cultural Catchment Council. These groups are primarily concerned with the agricultural zone, but there is
no presence or program activity for rangelands NRM or indigenous working on country programs. The
Shire of Perenjori is actively involved with the Gundawa Conservation Association, which has a focus on
environmental research, and community engagement to ensure the environment is restored and main-
tained for future generations.
When this combination of circumstances is combined with the significant scientific interest in this area
and the potential for eco and heritage tourism there is a fantastic opportunity to create a new Perenjori
Environment Centre to draw these things together, create a new green industry and improve the environ-
mental and conservation outcomes.
An Echidna by the road (translated
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Shire of Perenjori Prospectus
Investing in your future!
Tourism
Exploring Wildflower Country
This pathway project markets and interprets the “wildflower highway” – the
inland road between Dalwallinu and Geraldton. It is a joint project between
5 local governments, and will interpret the rich history and heritage of this
region. Stage one of this project will commence in June 2011.
The second stage is the “Artbelt” project. This region is famous for its mu-
rals on various buildings. It is proposed to use the large and imposing grain
handling structures as a canvas for large scale art.
Wildflowers and Attractions
Perenjori and the Mid West is probably best know for its Wildflowers,
with blooming vistas between the Months of July to October, the road-
sides come alive with a sea of colour. The Wildflowers are a huge draw
for visitors, and with the Midlands Wildflower Way drive trail complet-
ed, you can enjoy a scenic drive through the Mid West.
Perenjori for its Centenary commissioned the Perenjori Peoples Path-
way, as a walking trail around the town, bringing the history of the town
to life, showing how the town has evolved over it’s life.
Perenjori Mural
A sea of Everlastings near Latham.
Baker on the Perenjori Peoples Pathway Scenic Sunset in the Shire of Perenjori
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Shire of Perenjori Prospectus
Investing in your future!
Other Information
Aerodrome
The Perenjori Aerodrome is an all-weather air strip approximately 2.5 kilometres from the town, has pilot
activated lighting for night landings and provides an alternative to road transport for the movement of
equipment and personnel.
Communications
Perenjori is serviced by PSTN and ISDN fixed line telephone services and next G mobile telephone cover-
age. Perenjori has access to high speed business grade broadband (BDSL), ADSL2+ for residential use as
well as wireless canopy services.
Accommodation
The town has a quality Caravan Park which boasts a 2 bedroom park home, and 4 new chalets as well as a
contractors’ village with 24 rooms available. The Shire operates the old railway barracks as temporary ac-
commodation. The Perenjori Hotel offers hotel and motel style accommodation, along with meals.
Medical Services
The Perenjori medical centre operates two days per week utilising a doctor shared with the nearby Mora-
wa Medical Centre and Morawa Perenjori Health Service. Other allied health services visit and can be
available from nearby towns.
Sporting Facilities
Perenjori is home to a brand new award winning aquatic centre. Its licensed sports club has recently
been upgraded and is surrounded by significant sporting and community recreation facilities for cricket,
tennis, squash, golf, lawn bowls, netball, football and hockey. New synthetic surfaces for lawn bowls, ten-
nis, netball and basketball have all been installed.
Latham also boasts a licensed sports club, 18 hole golf course, bowls and tennis courts.
Contacts
Ali Mills Samuel Parker
Chief Executive Officer Coordinator of Economic and Community Development
[email protected] [email protected]
0427 731 004 9973 1002