Albemarle proposes new accommodation precinct in Australind after ‘fresh analysis’ of future workforce needs

A new accommodation precinct for Kemerton workers which could accommodate up to 850 people is on the cards. Albemarle, which operates the lithium hydroxide processing plant, submitted a development application to the Shire of Harvey last week outlining its proposal for the ‘Paris Grove’ precinct near the intersection of Forrest Highway and Paris Road. The proposal is being touted by the company as a “new, long-term proposition” which will be developed in stages as the needs of its workforce changes. Albemarle Australia country manager Beverley East said the longer-term approach had been influenced by community feedback, as well as a fresh analysis of the company’s future workforce needs. “The global outlook for lithium is very strong and underpins the worldwide transition to clean energy,” she said. “We are also aware of the ongoing shortage of short-term accommodation and long-term residential housing in the South West and want to ensure we don’t add to that pressure already in the market.” Australian major projects vice-president Joshua Rowan said the development would initially focus on being for the construction workforce at the Kemerton plant, with the site planned to contain 200 four-room villas, six residential houses and 12 two-room executive villas. “Our design deliberately lays out these villas and housing in keeping with the approved residential structure plan that is in place,” Mr Rowan said. “Paris Grove will, from the start, feature green and landscaped spaces, account for future public roads and include infrastructure that will be useful now and well into the future.” It is envisaged the site will eventually be converted to a normal residential housing estate for the company’s operations staff. The shuttle bus service from the Australind site to the Kemerton plant will continue and be expanded as required. The company described the Australind proposal as a “different proposition” to the proposed 500-person temporary workers accommodation facility in Binningup. Ms East said construction of the Binningup site was still underway, but there was an issue Albemarle was seeking to resolve in related to conditions imposed on reticulated sewerage. Mr Rowan said a final decision on the company’s Kemerton expansion was expected next year. The proposal was made possible the Shire of Harvey amended its planning scheme to reclassify part of the 21-hectare site at Lot 564 Paris Road from light industrial to residential.