Local businesses around the Wagerup refinery say the State Government’s decision to approve Alcoa’s Wagerup refinery expansion will provide a welcome boost for small local businesses and suppliers.
David Dwyer, Director of Dwyer Engineering & Construction in Harvey, said the decision means more growth and opportunity for local businesses.
“There are many businesses such as ours which service the local mining industry and the Wagerup Three expansion means local communities can continue to grow and prosper,” Mr Dwyer said.
“We provide engineering and construction services for many companies around the region and WA.
“With Alcoa’s Pinjarra refinery upgrade and now the expansion approval for Wagerup, we will be able to employ more people and take on more apprentices.
“This is an excellent training opportunity for young local people and encouragement for families who live in the area to stay together. Our company has opened up a second workshop to house more equipment and this means even more opportunity for home-grown businesses such as ours.”
Cosie Epiro, General Manager of Micron Precision Engineering in Yarloop, said he also thought the expansion would be great for the local area.
“I grew up in this region and it is great to see potential growth for young families and local businesses,” Mr Epiro said.
Managing Director of Premium Personnel Mary Louise McArdle, said her company recruits many personnel for Alcoa, as well as other major companies.
“My business has grown from a small consultancy to an employer of hundreds of temporary staff over the past years, largely due to the support of companies such as Alcoa,” Ms McArdle said.
The Wagerup Unit Three expansion will create over 1,500 construction jobs as well as 3000 direct and indirect jobs, including 260 new permanent Alcoa jobs.
Regional businesses and communities are set to reap the benefits of significantly increased local spending. The Wagerup refinery already spends over A$44 million a year with businesses in the local area, and this will rise sharply.
The Wagerup expansion would also provide over A$11 million a year in extra State Government revenue and around A$17 billion additional export revenue over the project life.
Media contact: Courtney Hoogen on 9316 5208 or 0400 127 427
Related Links
For further information on the Wagerup Three Project please click here
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Alcoa welcomes Wagerup Three approval
The WA Government has endorsed Alcoa’s proposal to expand the Wagerup alumina refinery. In providing environmental approval for the proposal, the Minister for the Environment found that if Alcoa meets the conditions he has imposed, the project would be environmentally responsible.
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