Published on Tuesday, 16 May 2023 at 12:54:59 PM
Land in Port Hedland will be redeveloped, and an estimated 30 homes returned to the rental market, following the Town of Port Hedland’s approval of a development application for workforce accommodation.
At its meeting last night, the Council approved an application by Campbell Transport to use the former detention centre site on Dempster Street for a period of five years, before developing the 3.23 hectares of land.
The approved application is conditional on a maximum of 208 people on site at one time, immediate landscaping including new planting and removal of mesh security fencing and the applicant supporting investment in social infrastructure such as footpaths.
The agreement will also see ten of the rooms within the development made available to the Town of Port Hedland as it seeks to undertake ongoing construction around Hedland.
Mayor Peter Carter said the conditions offered benefits for Hedland, including about 30 homes being added to the rental market.
“Housing is a handbrake on the economic growth of Port Hedland and the Town is committed to bringing more affordable housing to market,” Mayor Carter said.
“Campbell Transport currently has staff in residential homes across Hedland. With this workforce accommodation approved for Dempster Street, those properties are expected to be vacated and available for other organisations or individuals needing rental accommodation.
“We’re also pleased that ten of the rooms within the development will be made available for the Town of Port Hedland - this will support us bringing much-needed contractors to town to carry out priority construction projects.”
The site was formerly owned by the Australian Federal Government and operated as a detention centre. It was purchased by Campbell Transport’s holding company in September 2022.
“As part of the development the applicant will undertake immediate landscaping of the area, which will improve aesthetic appeal on Dempster Street,” Mayor Carter said.
“In addition, the applicant is required to submit a plan for longer-term development of the site once the temporary workers accommodation facility ceases.
“This site is in a prime location in Port Hedland and has been disused for many years. We want to see it developed permanently.”
Media Enquiries
Town of Port Hedland, Public Relations Team
Email: media@porthedland.wa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 9111 5000
Back to All News