Industrial park a ‘boon’ for region

The Bunbury-Wellington Economic Alliance has welcomed planning approval for the Shotts Industrial Park, announced last week by Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls.

The WA Planning Commission has approved an amendment to a town planning scheme and structure plan to create the industrial site.

Alliance chief executive officer Matt Granger said the project would be a boon for the South West.

‘‘Shotts is poised to become amajor asset for Collie and for the entire South West as a site for industry growth and development,’’ Mr Granger said.

‘‘It will attract value adding industries based on Collie’s extensive coal resources.’’

Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers is set to be a major tenant at Shotts with its $3.5 billion coal to urea plant, with the project expected to trigger a new wave of investment and employment in the region.

Wesfarmers’ Premier Coal is also proposing a char plant on 55ha of the site.

The Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries also welcomed the planning commission’s decision.

Chamber chief executive officer Andrew Horan said developments such as Shotts were are a key factor to the South West’s future prosperity.

Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer Richard Jackson said the development would create a raft of local jobs and would attract other heavy industries.