Moora Opportunities

Moora 33km from Dandaragan, our big brother neighbour.

Business Opportunities

Moora is a thriving country town in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. Being the largest inland service centre between Perth and Geraldton, Moora provides a wealth of services.
The population catchment within a 100 km radius of Moora would be 6000 residents, and yes that includes Dandaragan.

There is a growing population relocating to the Wheatbelt taking advantage of the semi-rural lifestyle, but still want access to services and facilities offered in metropolitan areas.

This presents enormous opportunities to establish businesses of all kinds within the region.

Shire of Moora Business Directory

Government Agencies based in the Shire of Moora

Moora Chamber of Commerce

Investment Opportunities

The Shire of Moora is a dynamic and exciting part of Western Australia. Boasting a very reliable rainfall that supports successful, leading Western Australian farming enterprises.
In recent times the Shire of Moora has been "discovered" in its close proximity to the Capital City of Perth (only 172km to the South).

Accessibility through major road and rail networks:

• the Great Northern Highway, 
• the Brand Highway, 
• Midlands Rail Line and 
• the Midlands Road being the most prominent.

Major industry within the Shire of Moora: 

• agriculture (broad acre crops, horticulture, cattle and sheep), 
• tourism and hospitality, 
• manufacturing, 
• retail, 
• education and health. 

Additional industries include concrete, mining of granite and silica and timber.
Fresh ground water aquifers west of Moora position the district for increasing intensive agricultural, horticultural and value adding industries.

The Shire of Moora boasts new enterprise to our west with various horticultural enterprises such as two large citrus plantations and a tropical fruit orchard.
This type of development in the vicinity of Moora as the regional centre creates many opportunities for supporting infrastructure and developments as well as new service opportunities.

Forecasts of approximately 100 new full time employees will be needed to staff these businesses over the next 5 years. Plus substantial seasonal employment.

Moora is the centre of one of the most reliable oilseed and cereal crop growing regions. Creating opportunities for the development of biofuels, including ethanol and biodiesel into the future.

All this within 33km of Dandaragan

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Warro Gas Project

The Warro Gas Project in the Dandaragan Shire and 50 km from Dandaragan Town-site.

Is an exciting undertaking for industry stakeholders, the local Warro community and the joint venture partners and businesses in the Dandaragan, Badgingarra Region.

The field has 7-10 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) in place and potentially 1-3 TcF of recoverable gas.

The field is situated in a convenient location onshore in the Perth Basin, approximately 200 kilometres north of Perth in the Dandaragan shire.

It is less than 35 kilometres east of both the Dampier-Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline and the Dongara-Perth Parmelia Pipeline.

The Warro Gas Field (contained within Retention Leases 6 and 7) was discovered in 1977 by WAPET when the Warro-1 well intersected with a substantial gas saturated column. Further drilling confirmed a 390 metre gas column in what is called the “Yarragadee Formation”.

Transerv became involved in the project in November 2007 when it agreed to provide $3.6 million in seed capital as a loan to Latent Petroleum, which held full ownership of the Warro Gas Project and was progressing it as its sole focus. The loan agreement offered Transerv the right to earn a 10% interest in the promising Warro Gas Field.

Less than a year later Alcoa of Australia entered into a farm-in agreement with Latent Petroleum, at which time Transerv elected to exercise its right to convert the $3.6 million loan into a 10% interest.

Under the farm-in agreement signed in 2008, Alcoa may earn a 65% interest through funding a staged farm-in evaluation program, which includes a five-well drilling program, seismic surveys and production facilities for initial production.

On 23 March 2011, Transerv announced the acquisition of Latent Petroleum, which increased its interest in the Warro Gas Project to 35% after the completion of the farm-in by Alcoa of Australia. Latent Petroleum remains operator and is continuing to evaluate the Warro Gas Project on behalf of the joint venture partners.

In 2009 and 2011, Latent Petroleum drilled two wells (Warro-3 and Warro-4) and acquired a 3D seismic survey over the field. Gas was safely produced from both wells.

A group of independent experts based in the USA completed a detailed analysis of the available data (including 3D seismic data) on the Warro Gas Field in 2012. The analysis confirmed significant quantities of gas are held within the field with the potential to flow at high rates.

As a result of these conclusions the Warro Joint Venture decided in late 2014 to continue its evaluation of the field by the drilling of Warro 5 and 6 during the second half of 2015.

Originally falling within Exploration Permits 321 and 407, the Warro Field area location was granted to Latent by the DMP in September 2008.

In December 2014, the Warro Joint Venture successfully applied for the locations over the field to be converted to Retention Leases 6 and 7. Additionally, the remainder of EP407 was relinquished in full along with four graticular blocks in EP321, developments required by statutory regulations.

The Warro Joint Venture also successfully negotiated a Native Title Agreement with the Yued people during 2014. This agreement allows for field operations through development and production to take place.

In 2015, Latent Petroleum, as operator of the Warro Gas Project, is conducting a third phase of work. This includes drilling two wells more than four kilometres into the earth to fracture stimulate rocks and encourage the gas contained within the reservoirs to flow to the surface.

The work fully complies with the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) guidelines on hydraulic fracturing released in December 2014. The work has also undergone a stringent review by the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum with input from the Departments of Water; Agriculture; and Parks & Wildlife.

The process for extracting gas and bringing it to the surface (detailed below) has been scrutinised by the EPA, which has determined it will not have a significant environmental impact. In making this assessment, the EPA considered many environmental factors including the activity’s impact on water, air and human health.

The extraction process used by Latent Petroleum is a thoroughly tested approach that eliminates any chance of gas or other fluids escaping and contaminating water aquifers or the air. The gas will be extracted far below (more than 3,500 metres below) any existing water bores that tap water from about 100 metres below the surface. The wells are designed to the highest environmental and safety standards, checked to ensure they are safe during construction and continuously monitored throughout their life.

In its most basic form, the extraction process will involve pumping water deep into a well at high pressure. It forces tiny, localised cracks or “fractures” into the rocks which are held open with sand grains or proppant. This means the permeability of the rocks is greatly increased, allowing the gas held in the tight rocks to flow to surface. All producing wells are carefully designed to provide long term, safe and reliable flow of gas.

The well bores are lined with three protective layers of steel and cement to bring the gas to surface safely and are monitored continuously to ensure well integrity is maintained.

Latent Petroleum will publicly disclose and monitor the small amount of chemicals used during the extraction process. In line with regulations, all the chemicals will be isolated at the surface and any aquifer units will be protected by at least two pressure barriers. At the end of the Warro Gas Project, Latent Petroleum will return the environment to its natural state with no trace of work activities – an obligation also dictated by industry regulation.

From the Transerv website

Mining Accommodation Camp

Iluka Resources - Proposed Mining Accommodation Camp Previously Approved By The Wheatbelt Joint Development Assessment Panel – Reduction In Size - Lot 2080 Cataby Road, Dandaragan

Location: Lot 2080 Cataby Road, Dandaragan

Applicant: Iluka Resources

Folder Path: Development Services App / Development Application / 2012 / 21

Disclosure of Interest: None

Date: 7 February 2017

PROPOSAL An application has been received from Iluka Resources to amend existing planning approval to commence development for a new relocated mining accommodation camp at Lot 2080 Cataby Road. The amendment is in the site layout plan only and results in a lesser sized development. An amendment (reduced site plan) application was refused at the 18 January 2017 Midwest/Wheatbelt Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) due to a differing interpretation of the term “substantial”. Changes in the legislation that took effect from 1 February 2017 allow the Council to determine this application at the choice of the applicant.

BACKGROUND The Wheatbelt Joint Development Assessment Panel granted Planning Approval in August 2012 to Iluka Resources for a mining accommodation camp at Lot 2080 Cataby Road and relocation and redevelopment of the Tronox mining accommodation camp at Lot 2065 Cataby Road. A copy of the minutes of the August 2012 Joint Development Assessment Panel is provided in the attachments listing the approvals and conditions of approval.
The applicant proposes a lesser development for Lot 2080 than what was approved. This report does not deal with the proposed Tronox camp at Lot 2065 for which there are no proposed amendments to the size of the camp. Council considered the application for lesser development at the 15 December 2016 Council meeting and recommended approval to the Midwest/Wheatbelt Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP).
The application for an amended reduced site plan was refused at the 18 January 2017 Midwest/Wheatbelt Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) as the Joint Development Assessment Panel believed that the amendment was substantial and required a new application with more detailed plans. The applicant has requested that the Council determine the application in accordance with the amended Development Assessment Panels legislation that took effect from 1 February 2017 to allow the Council to determine this application at the choice of the applicant.

COMMENT The applicant proposes a reduction in the number of facilities and accommodation units previously approved by the Wheatbelt Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP).

The following response was provided to the Presiding Member of the Mid-West/Wheatbelt Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP)s question prior to the Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) meeting “why the amendments, if approved, would not constitute a substantial change to the development approved in 2012”.

The online Oxford dictionary defines “substantial” as

      1.       Of considerable importance, size, or worth: ‘a substantial amount of cash’ 

      2.       Concerning the essentials of something: ‘there was substantial agreement on changing policies’

      3.       Real and tangible rather than imaginary: ‘spirits are shadowy, human beings substantial’

The proposed land use for workers accommodation has not changed. The changes proposed are only related to the reduced scale of accommodation and facilities as well as changes to the layout of the proposed development.
There will be no changes to infrastructure such as waste water and power (confirmed by discussion with applicant). If the proposal were to be located in an urban or semi-rural environment, then there would be a good argument that the amendments are substantial as there would be an impact on landowners and residents in proximity to the development, which would be of considerable importance in the above definition. In this instance, the proposal is in a remote rural environment and there will be no substantial impact on any nearby landowners or residents from the reduction in facilities and amended layout, and is therefore of minimal importance.

In addition to the above consideration, the scale (size and worth in the above definition) of the accommodation camp has to be considered in context to the overall project. The Iluka Campsite is one of two campsites proposed for a large-scale mining operation approximately 250-275 million dollars. The large-scale mining operation does not require planning approval and is therefore not being considered as part of the development application. If the Iluka campsite is considered in isolation to the entire project, then there may be argument that it is substantial.
However when taking into consideration the entire development associated with this proposal, the scale of the amendments are minor in comparison and would not in the Shire’s opinion be “substantial”.

In summary, the Shire is of the view that the proposed amendments are not substantial when considered in context of no change to the use and purpose of the development, the remote location, lack of any impact, and the scale of the amendments when taking into account the overall project. At the Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) meeting the point was raised that the applicant could just use the existing development approval and only construct to a lesser size. The point was also raised that it seemed overly burdensome to make the applicant go through a new application process for what is in effect a lesser development that has already been approved and will have a reduced impact on the environment and amenity.

Because the Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) refused the application, the applicant has the option of submitting a new application for the Council consider for approval. The officer recommendation is that Council grant approval for the lesser development with the same conditions of approval as granted by the Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) including any minor amendments due to changes in legislation or Government Departments.

CONSULTATION Advertising was not undertaken for the amendment. The proposed amendment is for a lesser development which is considered to have less impact on the environment and amenity than currently approved.

STATUTORY ENVIRONMENT

            §     Shire of Dandaragan Local Planning Scheme No.7

           §     Shire of Dandaragan Local Planning Strategy Rural Land Use and Rural Settlement - Strategy            8.1.5 Workers Accommodation in Rural Areas.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS WAPC SPP 2.5- Rural Planning

The Shire of Dandaragan’s Local Planning Policy 8.2 Mining, Horticultural and Agricultural Ventures – Accommodation for Staff, aims to encourage use of facilities within townsites of the Shire except for the accommodation provided for essential key personnel which, by necessity, needs to be located onsite.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The applicant has previously paid all the fees necessary for this application.

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS 2016 – 2026 Strategic Community Plan

ATTACHMENTS Circulated with the agenda is the following item relevant to this report:            

         §     Plans of existing approved site layout and amended site layout. (Doc Id: 86534) (Marked 9.4.2)

VOTING REQUIREMENT Simple majority

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION That Council grant planning approval to Iluka Resources for a proposed mining accommodation camp at Lot 2080 Cataby Road subject to the following conditions:

      1.       All development shall accord with the attached approved plan(s) and specification dated 15 November 2016 and subject to any modifications required as a consequence of any condition(s) of this approval. The endorsed plans shall not be modified or altered without the prior written approval of the Chief Executive Officer of the Shire.

      2.       Access from the approved development to Cataby Road is to be constructed to the satisfaction of the Chief Executive Officer of the Shire and at the full cost of the applicant.

      3.       A drainage management plan shall be prepared for the site to the satisfaction of the Chief Executive Officer of the Shire and no water shall be discharged from the site at flow rates or with pollutant levels in excess of the predevelopment condition.

      4.       The Proponent shall provide and maintain a potable water supply to the approved development with sufficient onsite storage for a minimum of 48 hours peak usage to the satisfaction of the Chief Executive Officer of the Shire.

     5.       The Proponent shall provide and maintain a suitable solid and liquid waste management program for the approved development to the satisfaction of the Chief Executive Officer of the Shire.

     6.       The Proponent shall provide and implement a fire management plan to the satisfaction of the Chief Executive Officer of the Shire.

     7.       All internal roads and car parking areas are to be sealed, line marked and appropriately drained and maintained for the duration of the intended use of the lot as a mining accommodation camp.

     8.       The Proponent shall provide and implement a landscaping plan to the satisfaction of the Chief Executive Officer of the Shire, prior to the occupation or use of any buildings in accordance with this approval

     9.       Security and on-site lighting shall be installed and shaded to prevent light spill from the site or cause nuisance to motorists using Cataby Road.

    10.   Upon the closure or cessation of use of the Mining Accommodation Camp land use, the Proponent shall remove all infrastructure and return the site to its former agricultural use, or a use otherwise agreed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Shire.

     11.   Approval is granted for a period of three (3) years expiring on the 3 September 2020 and if the development is not substantially commenced the approval shall lapse and be of no further effect.

Advice Notes:

A. In regards to condition 2, the applicant will be responsible for the costs associated with any road works, adjustments to road drainage and any signage identified in a traffic safety audit report.

B. In regards to condition 4, the advice of the WA Health Department will be sought by the Council on the suitability and adequacy of the proposed supply.

C. ln regards to condition 5, the advice of the WA Health Department will be sought by the Council on the suitability and adequacy of the proposed waste management proposal.

D. ln regards to condition 6, the advice of the DFES may be sought on the suitability and adequacy of the proposed fire management options. Any storage tanks intending to supply water for fire-fighting purposes are to be fitted with BFB couplings.

E. In regards to condition 9 the Proponent shall plant, reticulate and maintain any plantings identified in the landscaping plan, replacing any plants that die or are damaged, for the duration of the occupation of the site as an mining accommodation camp.

F. The Proponent is advised that this approval does not remove the requirement to secure approvals and licences that may be required under subsidiary legislation (see following examples) and the Proponent is required to make separate inquiries on those requirements:

a) Bush Fires Act 1954 — s33
b) Food Act 2008
c) Health (Treatment & Storage of Effluent & Liquid Waste) Regulation 1974 - Reg 4A
d) Rights in Water & lrrigation Act 1914 -s26A
e) Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004
f) Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960 

Badgingarra Research Station

Badgingarra Research Station - Extension To Farm Lease Agreement

Location: Lot 3712 Winjardie Road, Badgingarra

Applicant: N/A

Folder Path: Business Classification Scheme / Council Properties / Acquisition and Disposal / Purchasing

Disclosure of Interest: None

Date: 13 February 2017

Author: Chief Executive Officer

Signature of Author:

PROPOSAL That Council agrees to the extension to the Farm Lease Agreement for the Badgingarra Research Station (BRS) between the Shire of Dandaragan and the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) for a further three years to the 28 February 2020 and that Council amends the Sublease with West Midlands Group (WMG) to reflect this extension.

BACKGROUND Council has been discussing the possibility of acquiring the BRS since discussions first commenced in 2012, when the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) advised it would be selling off some of its assets. At Council’s meeting held on the 26 September 2013, it was resolved: 

That Council agree to contact the Department of Lands, State Lands Services expressing its interest in acquiring the Badgingarra Research Station located at Lot 3712 Winjardie Road, Badgingarra.

CARRIED 8 / 0  Info from Dandaragan Shire Website

Council’s Expression of Interest (EOI) to purchase the BRS was communicated to the Department of Lands, via representatives from the Lands Property Asset Clearing House. On the 3 November 2015, an email was received from Mr Tyack from the Department of Lands advising that the BRS was no longer surplus due to a proposed business direction and will be retained for ongoing research therefore, removing it from their disposal program.
However, since this time, the proposed business direction did not occur in which DAFWA then advertised the BRS for lease as of 1 February 2016 for 12 months. On the 10 December 2015, Council held a special meeting and resolved the following:

That Council agrees to submit an Expression of Interest to the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia for the lease of the Badgingarra Research Station, Lot 3712 Winjardie Road, Badgingarra as per the following conditions:

•        amount to be stipulated at $36,848 per annum as per the previous arrangement between the West Midlands Group and the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia for the amount of $36,848 per annum for a 12 month period;
•           Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia be advised that the Shire of Dandaragan wish to purchase the property freehold at the conclusion of the lease at an agreed value; and
•           that the West Midlands Group be required to meet all lease conditions via an appropriate agreement on behalf of the Shire of Dandaragan to be subleased at the amount of $36,848 per annum.

CARRIED 7 / 0    Compiled by Redgum Village for Projects in Dandaragan

Council’s EOI to lease the BRS was successful with a lease agreement being signed in May 2016 for a 12 month period commencing from 24 May 2016 with an option of a further 12 months. The WMG currently sublease and manage the property as it has done for the last three to four years. On the 31 January 2017 Cr Richardson, representing the Shire President, and the CEO met with the Minister for Agriculture and Food the Hon Mark Lewis MLC together with representatives from the WMG, the Badgingarra Community Association and DAFWA. It was discussed at this meeting that an extension to the lease would allow the current operations to continue while decisions could be made at a State Government level in relation to the future of the BRS. The group generally agreed that a three (3) year term would be ideal.

COMMENT The current lease expiry date is 23 May 2017. The lease agreement provides an option to extend the term of the agreement for a further 12 months by mutual consent of both parties. In consultation with DAFWA, Council has been successful in securing an extension to the lease of up to three years commencing from 23 May 2017 to 28 February 2020 at the same rent and conditions as detailed in the current lease.

CONSULTATION

•            Department of Agriculture and Food
•            West Midlands Group
•            Badgingarra Community Association
•            Minister for Agriculture and Food, Hon Mark Lewis MLC

STATUTORY ENVIRONMENT There are no statutory implications in relation to the leasing of the BRS. Appropriate lease and subleases have been prepared by Council’s solicitors to ensure our interests are protected and clearly outlined.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS There are no relevant policies in relation to this item.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS WMG has confirmed that they will continue to reimburse the Shire for the same amount so that the lease arrangement has a nil effect on the Shire’s operational budget. The agreement with the WMG would need to be amended to reflect the extension and to continue to ensure they are responsible for the lease conditions during that period.

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS 2016 - 2026 Strategic Community Plan

Goal 1: Great Place for residential and Business Development

Objectives

1.1 Ensure planning and land availability provides opportunity for sustainable growth

How Shire will Contribute

c) Activate Growth Plan

Objectives

1.4 Ensure Shire is "open for business" and supports industry and business development

How Shire will Contribute

b) Identify and engage with future new business and industry opportunities
c) Realise potential of Council controlled or lazy land assets

ATTACHMENTS Circulated with the agenda is the following item relevant to this report:

•            Correspondence from DAFWA confirming the three year extension to the lease (Doc Id: 86450) (Marked 9.3.2)

VOTING REQUIREMENT Simple majority

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION That Council agrees to extend the Farm Lease Agreement for the Badgingarra Research Station between the Shire of Dandaragan and the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia for a further three years to the 28 February 2020 and that Council amend the Sublease with West Midlands Group to reflect this extension.

Redgum Village Dandaragan - Moora District

Dandaragan Rainbow

What a weird summer we are having here at the Redgum Village in Dandaragan. 

One day we get the most February rain ever followed by 40 degrees plus, then you get this awesome rainbow

Compliments of Gaylene at Redgum Restaurant

MINING ACCOMMODATION CAMP

PROPOSED SITE LAYOUT AMENDMENT (REDUCTION) TO JDAP APPROVAL FOR MINING ACCOMMODATION CAMP - LOT 2080 CATABY ROAD, DANDARAGAN

Location: Lot 2080 Cataby Road, Dandaragan

Applicant: Iluka Resources

Folder Path: Development Services App / Development Application / 2012 / 21

Disclosure of Interest: None

Date: 5 December 2016

Author: Manager of Planning

Signature of Author:

Senior Officer: Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Signature of Senior Officer:

PROPOSAL

An application has been received from Iluka Resources to amend existing planning approval to commence development for a new relocated mining accommodation camp at Lot 2080 Cataby Road. The amendment is in the site layout plan only and results in a lesser sized development. This application was approved by the Wheatbelt Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP).

BACKGROUND

The Wheatbelt JDAP granted Planning Approval in August 2012 to Iluka Resources for a mining accommodation camp at Lot 2080 Cataby Road and relocation and redevelopment of the Tronox mining accommodation camp at Lot 2065 Cataby Road. A copy of the minutes of the August 2012 JDAP is provided in the attachments listing the approvals and conditions of approval. The applicant proposes a lesser development for Lot 2080 than what was approved. This report does not deal with the proposed Tronox camp at Lot 2065 for which there are no proposed amendments to the size of the camp. The Wheatbelt JDAP is now part of the Midwest/Wheatbelt JDAP.

COMMENT

The Midwest/Wheatbelt JDAP is the approving authority for this application. The Council may make comment to the JDAP or may grant approval in addition to the JDAP approval. Given that this is an amendment to an existing approval resulting in a lesser sized development, it is recommended that Council provide supporting comment only. The JDAP may call a meeting to discuss the application, however in cases where there is a minor modification to approved developments, the JDAP presiding member may choose to approve the amendment without calling a meeting. This is a possibility in this case.

CONSULTATION Nil STATUTORY ENVIRONMENT

§ Local Planning Scheme No 7

POLICY IMPLICATIONS There are no policy implications relevant to this item.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The applicant is required to pay an amendment fee of $150. This fee is received buy the Shire and passed onto the JDAP.

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS There are no strategic implications relevant to this item. 

ATTACHMENTS Circulated with the agenda is the following item relevant to this report:

§ Plans of existing approved site layout and amended site layout. (Doc Id:78153, Doc Id: 78154)

§ minutes of the August 2012 Wheatbelt JDAP (Doc Id: 78152) (Marked 9.4.2)

VOTING REQUIREMENT Simple majority

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION / COUNCIL DECISION

Moved Cr Richardson, seconded Cr Scharf That Council advise the Midwest / Wheatbelt Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) that it supports Iluka Resources application to amend planning approval for a lesser development to the mining accommodation camp at Lot 2080 Cataby Road in accordance with the plans submitted subject to all existing conditions of approval retained on the Planning Approval.

CARRIED 8 / 0

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