Approval now in place for Pelago camp
Retrospective planning approval has been granted for the 208-bed accommodation camp on the northern side of Crane Circle.
Hanssen Pty Ltd constructed the construction workforce camp without Shire approval in August 2011.
The camp houses the workforce for Finbar’s Pelago Twin Towers Project.
Roebourne Shire Council President Fiona White-Hartig said Hanssen Pty Ltd had not received any special privileges as part of the retrospective approval and would be treated like any other builder operating in the Shire of Roebourne.
“The construction accommodation on Crane Circle was built without approvals in place and the Shire of Roebourne has not ignored that fact,” Councillor White-Hartig said.
“Shire officers issued a directions notice in January 2012, in which Hanssen Pty Ltd had 60 days to comply by providing all the paperwork necessary to gain approval for the accommodation.
“Shire officers are now busy assisting the construction contractor to become compliant with the conditions of the approval.”
In the conditions applied by the Shire’s retrospective planning permit, Hanssen Pty Ltd must meet stringent conditions, which will improve the safety and amenity of the construction camp for the benefit of camp residents and adjoining businesses on Crane Circle.
Hanssen Pty Ltd will be required to pay a $250,000 planning bond as part of the approval to ensure the works needed immediately, to meet the requirements of the planning approval, are completed.
Roebourne Shire Council has delegated authority to its Acting CEO Simon Kot to pursue legal action should Hanssen Pty Ltd fail to comply with the conditions of approval.
It is anticipated the accommodation will be needed for a further two years to complete construction of the second Pelago tower.
Thereafter, the accommodation will have to be vacated and removed and the site reinstated, leaving landscaping, car parking and service connections in place for the benefit of future site users.
Cr White-Hartig said both the Pelago Twin Towers Project construction site and construction workforce accommodation would be regularly monitored until the project was completed.
“Although an approval is now in place for the construction workforce accommodation, this situation is less than ideal,” she said.
“Seeking approval before commencing construction is absolutely required and obviously best practice, and we encourage all builders to adhere to this process.”
Tags: Crane Circle, Echo, Karratha, News, pelago camp, Pilbara, pilbaranews
