Talison Lithium works to alleviate concerns at community meeting with accommodation village confirmed

Construction of a mammoth 700-bed drive-in drive-out accommodation village on the outskirts of Bridgetown is set to get underway, as Talison Lithium forges ahead with a major 20-year expansion in the region. At a Manjimup Chamber of Commerce meeting last Wednesday, Talison’s general manager of operations Craig Dawson spoke to the local community and addressed concerns. It comes as the world-leading lithium producer’s plans a three-fold increase in production over the next 10 years as it expands operations from two plants to six, fostering a quadrupling of employees from 400 to more than 1,600. The crowd were given insight into the scale of operations, production growth, challenges and opportunities as part of the lithium giant’s efforts to connect and open communications with the local community. Mr Dawson anticipated labour shortages, community sustainability and housing challenges would be among several short and long-term issues faced by the operation. “As we grow, so to do our community impacts but it’s how you manage them,” he said. “As we grow our contribution will increase in support in local communities.” Mr Dawson said the accommodation village — which will be developed in two stages at 1112 Maranup Ford Road, about 7km south of Greenbushes — would begin construction later this year. He said it would decrease the pressure on short stay and permanent accommodation in town and decrease traffic volumes, while providing economic opportunities for local businesses. Members of the audience — attendees from across the South West, particularly within the Shire of Manjimup — highlighted several key areas of concern with Talison’s continued growth and impact, including local accommodation, housing and labour. “The camp should take off the load on local accommodation however, we have not forced any accommodation to take our business,” he said. “My goal would be that eventually that camp will get smaller overtime... we also want to support local businesses including accommodation. “Labour shortages are an internal conundrum also,” he said. “We are mindful that we don’t want to suck local trade... it’s all part of that balance... our drive-in drive-out model with the new accommodation should assist.” Audience members brought forward several other concerns, including the projected timeline and the economic and community impact of the ceasing of operations, as well as community safety — particularly regarding local roads, carbon footprint and ecological impact. “Our place in the world is about clean energy transition and we’re very proud of that fact,” Mr Dawson said. “We see our place within that energy transition as very important moving forward into the future.” Mr Dawson said Talison’s projected lifetime was 20 years, however, they were continuing to explore around their existing area in Greenbushes. “Mining does not go on forever... you’ve got to be cognisant of the transition.”