Prices to lure investors

Investors are casting their eyes back to the Burrup Peninsula industry corridor for downstream processing activities as the cost of business eases in the Pilbara.

A Department of State Development spokeswoman confirmed they were currently courting three potential investors to the Strategic Industrial Area on the Burrup Peninsula.

"Interest has picked up over the past 12 months as costs in the Pilbara have declined," she said.

"The availability and price of gas are important considerations for investors.

"The State Government, through its domestic gas policy, works to ensure a reliable source of gas for Western Australian consumers."

The spokeswoman said the department and Landcorp had continued to promote the estate over the past five years.

Eight of 12 sights remain undeveloped in the Burrup SIA, where the State Government has invested more than $160 million in multi-use infrastructure.

The SIA sites are spread out across Burrup Road, Hearson's Cove Road and Village Road and already have access to the Dampier port as well as gas, water and power infrastructure. Landcorp economic and employment land general manager John Hackett said while land values had seen little movement because of the limited sites, the cost of business would make the area more attractive.

"LandCorp expects the easing of the business costs such as wages, the exchange rate and accommodation will have a more significant impact to make projects on the Burrup more attractive," he said.

Mr Hackett said promotional material such as the Landcorp website had recently been beefed up to better promote the remaining sites.

At a recent forum in Karratha a member of the public queried State Opposition Leader Mark McGowan on the potential to attract investment to the Burrup SIA again, citing the need for jobs and economic diversification.

Mr McGowan said development of the existing industry corridor on the peninsula was a controversial issue but would benefit the community.