LITHIUM MINING — GREENBUSHES
1211. Hon COLIN HOLT to the Minister for Regional Development:
I refer to the expansion of Talison
Lithium's lithium mine at Greenbushes and the increased workforce
required for ongoing operations.
(1) How is the
government supporting the company to ensure that the workforce is based
locally?
(2) What is the
government doing to assist surrounding communities to accommodate that expanded
operational workforce locally?
(3) Given that
the government removed funding for sewerage upgrades in Boyup Brook, what is
the government doing to ensure that utilities in Boyup Brook and other towns
are capable of accommodating more people as a result of the increased
workforce?
(4) Will the
government give a commitment that it will not allow a work camp for these
operational workers?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the member for the question.
(1) Talison
Lithium has an existing commitment to source employees from within 30 minutes'
travel time from the mine. That is its current commitment. We have asked that
consideration be given to providing opportunities for workers from Collie and
have discussed the option of providing a bus service for workers undergoing
structural readjustment.
(2) The South
West Development Commission hosted a forum for surrounding local governments to
hear from Talison regarding the expansion program. That was held on 3 September
2018. The following actions are underway as a result of that workshop. We are
creating a prospectus to attract people and potential investment. We are
developing a subregional growth plan. Talison and the South West Development
Commission are delivering a series of community information sessions during
November to help the local community understand business and workforce
opportunities associated with the project. Talison requirements will be
reviewed by the south west labour market survey to inform future skill and
labour needs of the region.
(3) This will be
considered as part of the subregional growth plan.
(4) The
government's strong preference is for employees to be sourced from the
local community wherever possible.