General News
29 August, 2024
Minyip mine village approved
At their July monthly meeting, Yarriambiack Shire Council approved the building permit for a 62-unit accommodation village in Minyip which will house the Astron's Donald Mineral Sands (DMS) project workers
The accommodation site will be located at 21 Church Street, approximately 700 meters from the main street town center, and will feature laundries, a dining hall with an alfresco area, administration office, undercover outdoor areas, shower and lockers facility, and more.
Councillor Tom Hamilton moved the recommendation, and said he understands there will be angst in the community surrounding the topic.
"I think it's really important that council keeps pressure on DMS and makes sure that it's not just camp-style housing," he said.
"We want to attract permanent residents to the community.
"No doubt there's going to be a need for the temporary housing to establish this mine.
"I hope that DMS and council continue to make housing a priority.
"It's important we get this right to encourage families to move into our area in the future."
The recommendation was second by councillor Graeme Massey who said it was a great decision by the company to have their workers live in the town.
"I think the shire will only benefit from people coming in and accessing the facilities, and it will encourage other people to come to town," he said.
During an ABC Radio interview, mayor Kylie Zanker said the best part of the project will be that the workers will become part of the community.
"People will get to live at the villiage, reside in the community, and still use the services that are in the community," she said.
"So go to the cafe, join the bowls club, and go do things that are in the community as well."