Proponents of an 850-person workers’ village in regional WA say it could help ease rental issues.

Lithium giant Albemarle has found a suitable location for its workers' accommodation village in Western Australia's south-west.
The proposed $125.6 million project will be built in Australind, approximately two hours' drive south of Perth. It is set to accommodate almost 850 workers needed for the planned expansion of the US company's lithium operation.

The facility will include 200, four-bed villas built on the 17-hectare site, as well as a lap pool, mini-golf course, and a 650-space car park.
The project received unanimous approval from the Regional Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP).

Albemarle says the project was planned with the region's rental pressures in mind, and will create a “long-term, sustainable, and socially integrated precinct” for its construction and future operations workforce.

The Shire of Harvey has classified the proposal as a “seriously entertained planning proposal”, while dismissing community concerns about the location and potential for increased crime, stating that the land is suitable for residential development. 

The shire also said that the long-term plan for the village would help workers be part of the local community; more than a traditional workers' camp.

The village will continue to have a life after the workers have left, with plans to turn it into a housing estate down the line. 

“This longer-term approach was influenced by community feedback and fresh analysis of Albemarle’s future workforce needs,” a company spokesperson said.

The project’s progress comes after Albemarle laid out plans for a 500-person workers' camp in nearby Binningup, which has been fiercely opposed by the community. 

The Shire of Harvey allegedly described the proposal as being contrary to the principles of orderly and proper planning.

Albemarle has not confirmed if the Binningup proposal would be dropped or if it would exist alongside the Australind facility. 

“No decision has been made regarding the proposed Binningup development,” the spokesperson said.