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September 14, 2006
Wagerup Unit Three decision brings benefits to local communities
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Many local community people around the Wagerup refinery have welcomed the State Government’s decision to approve the Unit Three expansion.
Yarloop resident Neil Stenbeck said the project approval would help to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for the towns around the refinery.
“Towns like Yarloop and the surrounding areas want the opportunity to grow and become better places to live,” Mr Stenbeck said.
Another Yarloop resident and Willowdale Mine employee David Butler said he also welcomed the go ahead.
“I have a young family, including four-year-old twins, and see this as a chance for a better future for them, living in a town that we would love to see grow.”
Harvey resident Haydn Dyer said the expansion would benefit the entire region.
“This is a great opportunity for everyone in the Peel and South West regions – a chance for us to grow and prosper.”
Alcoa Managing Director Wayne Osborn said the expansion approval follows months of extensive consultation with community people, where concerns were expressed and innovative solutions worked through. Alcoa made sure everyone was given an opportunity to have input.
“Local people will continue to have their say about the future of their towns and what is needed to ensure we have town rejuvenation and the resources to up-skill and encourage our children to live and work here,” Mr Osborn said.
The Shire of Harvey and Waroona also welcomed the recently announced Wagerup community funding benefits worth more than $20 million over the next 20 years.
The initiatives include:
- The Wagerup Sustainability Fund, a 20-year program of Alcoa funding;
- A new scheme of Alcoa additional payments to the shires;
- Additional Alcoa funding for town rejuvenation schemes in Waroona and Yarloop.
The package was developed through an extensive consultation and research process with local communities. It included shire representatives, Alcoa employees, community representatives and local and State government representatives. The aim was to determine projects and initiatives to deliver direct long-term benefits to the local community.
This partnership supports the commitment Alcoa and the local shires share for the future of communities in the shires of Harvey and Waroona. “The State Government’s decision to approve the Wagerup Three expansion will help build on what communities around the refinery need,” Wagerup Refinery Manager Simon Butterworth said.
“This decision will lead to a strengthening of existing partnerships and programs with other organisations that are essential for the vibrancy and sustainability of these towns.”
Media contact: Courtney Hoogen on 9316 5208 or 0400 127 427
Related Links
To find out more about the Wagerup Unit Three project click here
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