Hedland residents will have the opportunity to input into the development of the proposed Port Hedland voluntary buy-back scheme at a series of consultation meetings over the next three months.
The meetings are being led by consultant Ross Love, who has been appointed by the McGowan Government to consult with landowners and other stakeholders and to advise on the appropriate terms and administrative arrangements for the scheme.
The meetings are to be held as follows:
Public Consultation Meeting 1: Thursday October 24, 2019, in Port Hedland
Public Consultation Meeting 2: Monday October 28, 2019, in Perth
Public Consultation Meeting 3: Monday November 18, 2019 in Port Hedland
Public Consultation Meeting 4: Monday December 9, 2019 in Port Hedland
Members of the public wishing to attend the meetings should send their details to [email protected] or telephone 6551 7500.
Mr Love is due to report back with recommendations for the scheme to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti following the completion of the three-month consultation process.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The McGowan Government is implementing the recommendations of the Port Hedland Dust Management Taskforce Report and taking steps to ensure landowners who are concerned about dust in the area have options.
"Mr Love has already spent time in Port Hedland meeting with local stakeholders, including homeowners, local government, mining industry representatives and the Pilbara Port Authority and he is now beginning a three-stage consultation process.
"We are looking at the development of the voluntary buy-back scheme in a fair and open way that allows all stakeholders to be heard and understood."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"We have listened to Port Hedland homeowners who have told us they want a fair voluntary buy-back scheme and we are now working to deliver that option.
"Mr Love has outlined a very sound consultation process that will enable homeowners to have their concerns and priorities heard at the outset and then to provide feedback at subsequent meetings where Mr Love will present to them the information he has received to date.
"At the final meeting in December, Mr Love will outline his draft recommendations and seek final public comments, before submitting his report to the McGowan Government."
