The Shire of Irwin is calling on Hancock Energy and the WA Planning Commission to urgently change the approval for the $850 million Belisama Gas Project, warning Irwin ratepayers could be left footing the bill if project traffic uses local roads.
The gas project is located just inside the Shire of Mingenew, close to the Irwin boundary.
While the Shire supports the project and the economic opportunities it could bring to the region, Shire President Cr Isabelle Scott said the Shire of Irwin was excluded from critical road decisions, and the current approval does not adequately protect roads in Irwin from construction and operational traffic.
“The Planning Commission’s conditions give the Shire of Mingenew and Main Roads WA a say on traffic management plans, but not the Shire of Irwin, even when those plans could affect roads in Irwin and cost the Shire of Irwin ratepayers significantly,” Cr Scott said.
Cr Scott said the issue was simple; Irwin ratepayers should not be expected to pay for infrastructure damage caused by a private development.
“Regional development cannot mean that one community receives the benefits while families and businesses in a neighbouring community are required to subsidise the infrastructure costs,” Cr Scott explained.
“Mingenew will host the project and receive the direct benefits. Irwin ratepayers should not be left paying to repair roads damaged by project traffic.”
The Shire is particularly concerned that the current approval allows alternative road routes to be considered without giving the Shire of Irwin an equivalent role in approving those routes.
It also says there is no requirement for a binding road-use agreement with Irwin to be in place before construction traffic starts.
Chief Executive Officer Shane Ivers said the existing arrangements did not go far enough.
“We appreciate that Hancock Energy has committed heavy and oversized vehicles to use Midlands Road, Mooriary Road and Yandanooka West Road. However, that commitment does not cover other project traffic such as workers, contractors, visitors, service vehicles and minibuses,” Mr Ivers explained.
“The approval needs to make it clear which roads all project traffic must use. Irwin roads should not be exposed to significant project traffic without the Shire having a say and without arrangements in place to protect ratepayers from the cost of any damage.”
The $850 million project is expected to employ up to 350 people during construction, potentially generating a significant increase in traffic.
The Shire wants the approval amended so that all project-related traffic under Hancock Energy’s control uses the approved Mingenew route, unless the Shire of Irwin agrees in writing to an alternative.
If Irwin roads are required, the Shire wants an agreement in place before that traffic begins, covering road upgrades, maintenance, monitoring, repairs and financial responsibility for any damage caused by the project.
Cr Scott said the Shire was not opposing the gas project.
“We support responsible investment and economic development in the Mid West,” she said.
“But regional development should not come at the expense of local ratepayers. We are simply asking for the same protection any community should expect when a major private development uses public infrastructure.”
The Shire has called on Hancock Energy to urgently seek an amendment to the development approval and on the WA Planning Commission to expedite the process.
If the issue is not resolved, the Shire says it will consider further action, including seeking legal advice on judicial review.
ENDS
Background: The WA Planning Commission approved the Belisama Gas Project on 19 August 2026. The gas processing plant and associated workforce accommodation will be located at Lot M441, 1906 Yandanooka West Road, Milo, within the Shire of Mingenew and immediately adjacent to the Shire of
Irwin boundary.
The approved conditions and reasons are recorded in the published minutes of the Statutory Planning Committee meeting of 19 August 2026.
