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Dialogue With Aquasure BeginsBass Coast Shire Council has kicked off its working relationship with AquaSure, the preferred tenderer for the desalination plant, with a series of meetings. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 26th August 2009 - Back to News Representatives from AquaSure travelled to Wonthaggi on Wednesday, 19 August for a presentation to Councillors and staff. AquaSure also had meeting with local media, estate agents, emergency services and community groups
Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, said that although Council’s position on desalination remained unchanged, the project was definitely going ahead, and it was time to refocus.
"Council needs to focus on how the project is going to be built and on the relationship with AquaSure," said Mr Bawden.
"This company is going to be present in our community for at least 30 years, so we have to be able to work productively with them.
"Both Council and AquaSure are committed to developing a positive working relationship. We need to start a dialogue that will ensure the project is built in a way that minimises inconvenience to the community and maximises the opportunities that arise."
At a briefing attended by Councillors and staff, AquaSure presented their winning proposal and explained how it addressed the brief for the project.
"It certainly was encouraging to see that many of the issues raised by Council over the last two years had been incorporated into the brief," Mr Bawden said.
"AquaSure has come up with an innovative design for the plant and works, including revegetation of the coast dunes and Powlett River flats, creative landscaping and use of indigenous plants.
"Our concerns about the plant design and environmental and visual impact were raised in our Environment Effects Statement (EES) submission and in our submission to the Planning Minister early this year.
"We also lobbied fiercely for the underground power option including fibre optic cable in the same easement, to enable broadband connection in the Shire," said Mr Bawden.
"These were included in the brief and were part of AquaSure’s presentation."
Community engagement and recruitment
AquaSure’s presentation included an outline of their approach to community consultation and recruitment for the desalination project.
"Council is encouraged by the company’s commitment to community consultation and we will certainly be holding them to this," assured Mr Bawden.
"AquaSure confirmed that recruitment for the project would consider local applicants, including apprenticeships and traineeships.
"AquaSure will also be establishing a local presence and offering training sessions for people who may need assistance with the job application process."
Bass Coast Housing Accord
Council, AquaSure and State Government Departments (DSE, DPCD and DHS) have all endorsed the Housing Accord. This week AquaSure, Mr Bawden, Bass Coast Mayor, Cr John Duscher and Council staff met with estate agents to discuss how to implement the Accord.
"Agents from right across the Shire were represented at the meeting, expressing their interest in participating in the Accord," Mr Bawden confirmed.
"Our recent survey received a strong response from holiday home owners willing to make their houses available for lease to desal workers.
"Opening up this new rental market is a key part of our strategy to ensure that local renters are not forced out by rising costs,"confirmed Mr Bawden.
AquaSure’s commitment to the Accord will see the majority of their workers live within the region and minimise the stress on the local rental market.
"This will result in a significant economic benefit for local businesses" said Mr Bawden.
"We are very happy with AquaSure’s support for and commitment to the Housing Accord."
AquaSure provided an overview of the expected makeup of the workforce and how long people were expected to stay in the area.
"It is expected that the highest demand would be for shorter term rentals rather than for the entire two year construction period," explained Mr Bawden.
"The demand is not expected to be begin until at least February next year when the onsite workforce increases."
Construction of the plant is likely to begin in October 2009. The initial activity will focus on earth works involving the movement of 1 million cubic metres of earth around the site, by an anticipated workforce of less than 200.
Mr Bawden said the financial closure on the desalination project was due to take place early next month.
"Once this has been finalised, our community will notice an increase in activity," said Mr Bawden.
"However, we have been advised that things won’t get really busy until March or April of 2010."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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