Thanks for chatting to us at Onslow General Store on 20/2/24
Here is a summary of the questions we received from the public on Tuesday 20th February (2024) and our responses.
1.Who owns OMSB?
OMSB is a privately owned company which was the first recipient of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund. This is a Federal Government initiative to drive infrastructure investment in Northern Australia
2. Why did OMSB start?
OMSB built the infrastructure to provide the Pilbara with a true multi-user port facility that is not dominated by commodity exports. This allows various industries to rethink how logistics work in the region and opens Onslow up to becoming a logistics hub for the entire Pilbara region.
3. Does OMSB employ locals?
OMSB preferences the employment of local residents. We currently directly employ 11 local people. We acknowledge that FIFO employees are an ongoing reality however we do try to incentivise people to relocate to Onslow and join the community (2 of our current employees).
We support local students through workplace learning opportunities, and contract to local businesses and develop partnerships to respond to customer demand. This has a positive flow-on effect to the local economy and job market.
4. What is decommissioning, and what is all the fuss about?
Decommissioning is an emerging industry as oil and gas assets come to the end of their operational life. Dismantling and removing this infrastructure (safely and responsibly) to rehabilitate country (including marine) requires companies with skills and appropriate facilities. Given Onslow’s close proximity to offshore assets in the North Carnarvon basin, there is a real opportunity for Onslow businesses and employees to demonstrate local capacity and build a reputation to meet this demand. At OMSB we understand it is a new idea for the community, but we are prepared with the correct facility licences, planning, equipment and training.
5. How can the Onslow community be sure that OMSB is doing decommissioning activity correctly?
OMSB is very proactive in its licensing and associated management plans which is a key feature of ensuring decommissioning does not negatively impact the Onslow community. In fact we are the only Port in the region with suitable licences and management plans to support decommissioning activity. In addition to our own approach we only work with service providers that we certify as having suitable systems and procedures to manage any and all risks.
With our comprehensive approach to managing risk we are then allowed to work diligently to maximise the local positive benefits from an industry of this nature.
6. What issues does the Shire have with OMSB?
OMSB has had a long and positive relationship with the Shire of Ashburton as evidenced by the Shire’s recent statements in the media. Unfortunately in recent times the Shire has taken a very adversarial approach to OMSB’s facility operating to supporting the decommissioning sector. The Shire’s point of contention is that OMSB receiving waste material from the decommissioning sector changes us from a Port to a tip. Despite the numerous attempts by OMSB to correct this misconception, the Shire has not engaged collaboratively with OMSB. OMSB is contesting the Shire’s position through the State Administrative Tribunal.
7. Can the Shire and OMSB work together in decommissioning?
OMSB is of the firm opinion that the Shire and OMSB can work closely together to support decommissioning activity and unlock benefits to the region. OMSB has a world-class port facility with all relevant licences and management plans, and the Shire has a world class waste facility with licences and management plans. Having the two work harmoniously together creates a strong value proposition for potential clients and will result in more jobs and contracting opportunities for the Onslow community.
8. What is the difference between OMSB and the Port of Ashburton for this work?
Both Ports are great facilities but what makes OMSB unique for decommissioning is the fact we have all licences in place to deal with decommissioning items. This allows OMSB to receive cargo, test the cargo and then ensure it is safely contained (if required) for transport to a facility such as the Pilbara Regional Waste Management Facility (PRWMF). The Port of Ashburton does not have these licences, therefore any material received at the Port must be landed directly onto trucks and driven out the Port to travel ~30kms on a public road to the PRWMF for the items to be tested. Although the Port of Ashburton approach is workable we believe OMSB has a best practise model that tangibly addresses risk to the community.
9. Is the State Government supportive of OMSB doing decommissioning activity?
Yes – recently the State Government amended OMSB’s lease conditions to explicitly permit decommissioning activity at the Port.
10. How can I get a job with OMSB?
We have an open door policy with the community. Anyone wanting to work for us should drop in at the Port and speak to us about their availability and skill set.
