FIFO camp concerns raised over $20m, four-storey hotel proposal set to go before Kalgoorlie-Boulder council

FIFO camp concerns have been raised over a $20 million, four-storey, 200-room hotel being proposed for a section of land near an existing workforce accommodation site on Gatacre Drive in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

At next Monday’s council meeting, Kalgoorlie-Boulder councillors will consider endorsing a document regarding Planning Solutions’ application to the Regional Development Assessment Panel — which will ultimately approve or reject the proposal.

The council agenda to be tabled on Monday states the proposal — made on behalf of company Akudjura — would include an ancillary restaurant and function room, gym and 137 parking bays.

The council will consider whether to support the recommendations in the responsible authority report as to how the application should be determined by the RDAP.

The 1.34ha site is bounded by Gatacre Drive and Great Eastern Highway, with a workforce accommodation complex to the west and residential development on the opposite side of the street.

The city received two submissions opposing the development during public consultation, with concerns the development would be used as a fly-in, fly-out camp.

In a report to be tabled at the meeting, the city reiterated the proposal was for a hotel, and draft recommended conditions would be included to ensure the development was in accordance with land use definitions.

One of the submissions against the proposal states since the existing camp was built in the area they had experienced an increase in “drunken, antisocial and hoon” behaviour outside their home.

They also voiced concerns with traffic in the area, stating drivers already almost “rear-end” them when they try to turn into their driveway.

The city agenda item report states the proposed traffic increase to the local road network was considered “acceptable”, and other matters raised by Main Roads WA had been addressed through recommended conditions.

“Other matters that may create adverse impacts on the amenity of adjoining residential properties are appropriately addressed through the recommended conditions,” it stated.

“Accordingly, subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions, the application is recommended for approval and represents an orderly and proper planning outcome.”