Regional Infrastructure Plan

The future infrastructure needs of Peel have been identified in a comprehensive Regional Infrastructure Plan.

Funded by the Peel Development Commission, WA Tourism, and the Region's five Local Governments, the plan identifies existing and emerging infrastructure pressures on the Peel region and recommends a unified strategic approach throughout the Region to respond to the planning and construction challenges forecast over the next 20 years.

Boddington Infrastructure Project

Since early 2006 the Peel Development Commission has chaired a key stakeholder taskforce assembled to identify regional infrastructure needs likely to result from re-opening of the Boddington Gold Mine (BGM).  In February 2006 BGM announced commitment to a $2b expansion project for the mine, and in June 2006 commenced installing an accommodation village to house the estimated 1500 construction personnel.  Site works subsequently commenced late 2006 and are scheduled to be completed for commissioning late 2008.  The mine has a 15+ year operational life requiring approximately 650 permanent employees.

Following mine site construction, the accommodation village is scheduled to be scaled down in capacity with employees encouraged to reside locally.  Statistical projections indicate that Boddington’s population will double to approx 3500 within three years, requiring up to 400 new residences and substantial infrastructure upgrades and developments.
Representatives of local Shires, relevant Government agencies, BGM and the Commission worked together as a committee to present a submission to Cabinet in October 2006 for infrastructure funding support.  Consequently, the State Government has allocated $9.55m for expenditure over three years, primarily for the Shires of Boddington, Murray and Wandering to address immediate needs.  This funding also facilitated the PDC’s appointment of a project manager and enables various needs assessment studies to be carried out, administered by the Department of Industry and Resources.

Additionally, Cabinet has directed that relevant Government agencies will budget to provide for applicable projects identified in the committee’s submission.  These provisions are estimated to total $41m.  Federal Government funding may also be accessed for additional projects costing an estimated $16m.

Industrial Land Development

The need for suitably zoned light and general industrial land has been identified as one of Peel Region’s highest infrastructure priorities for over five years. This was supported by independent research in 2004 that found the current supply of industrial land would be exhausted by 2008 in Mandurah and 2010 in the Peel Region.

A taskforce chaired by the Peel Development Commission and comprising representatives from major stakeholders (including Local Government Authorities, LandCorp, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, Department of Environment and Conservation, and the Department of Water) continued to progress the development of five locations for light industrial purposes. These were Pinjarra, Nambeelup, Waroona, Serpentine Jarrahdale and Boddington.

In May 2007, the Pinjarra Industrial Estate was officially launched by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLA and the Minister for Peel, Hon David Templeman MLA. Construction of Stage 1 began in July 2007 with 15.7 ha being developed to create 17 lots by September 2008. Titles are anticipated to be available from December 2008.

Byrnecut Mining, a significant Western Australian mining engineering business, has been signed as the anchor tenant which will create in excess of 40 new jobs and training opportunities for the region over the coming years.

When fully developed, it is anticipated that the Pinjarra Industrial Estate will cover over 90ha, providing lots suitable for small, medium or large factory / workshop requirements.

Nambeelup Industrial Estate is a 1,300 hectare site adjacent to the proposed New Perth Bunbury Highway and is viewed as a medium to long term light and general industrial land option for the region. In order to progress this site however, a number of environmental and other planning requirements will need to be addressed in the first instance. The Department for Planning and Infrastructure has employed a Senior Planning Officer to assist development of this site.

In 2008 the Commission will continue to partner with agencies and provide leadership to ensure the development of light industrial land meets the short, medium and long term requirements of the Peel.