An accommodation camp used by workers on Chevron’s Wheatstone LNG project in WA has been temporarily closed amid fears a nearby gas plant poses safety risks.
The Shire of Ashburton raised concerns about the 380 bed Brolga camp at Ashburton North, south-west of Onslow, after BHP’s nearby Macedon gas project became operational.
The matter is now with the State Administrative Tribunal with a resolution to the matter not expected before the end of the month.
Chevron bought the camp from BHP for the accommodation of Wheatstone LNG workers late last year after construction of BHP’s $US1.6 billion Macedon plant was completed.
Ashburton Shire approved Chevron’s application for the camp to be used for Wheatstone in November last year but withdrew the approval in late December citing safety concerns.
Shire chief executive Neil Hartley told The West Australian that the Shire’s main concern was the camp’s proximity to Macedon, a now-operational gas plant.
“The status of the plant has changed from that of construction to a live production plant,” Mr Hartley said.
“We’re worried about potential gas explosions or leakage.”
The State Administrative Tribunal hearing has been set for 29 January.
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