Accommodation at Ichthys LNG Project complete

The Ichthys LNG Project, operated by INPEX, announced the completion of its Accommodation Village at Howard Springs, near Darwin, Northern Territory.

The village has been named Manigurr-ma Village, after the Larrakia name for the Stringybark tree. It will provide accommodation for up to 3500 project personnel during peak construction.

Developed in four stages, Manigurr-ma Village officially opened its doors to residents in September 2013 with a ceremony attended by over 100 guests, including Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles, Larrakia elders and neighbouring residents. Currently, more than 1000 members of the Project’s construction workforce are living in the village.

Next phase

Managing Director of the Ichthys LNG Project, Louis Bon, said the completion of Manigurr-ma Village meant the project was well-prepared and on schedule for the next phase of construction on the onshore facilities in Darwin.

Bon commented: “Manigurr-ma Village was designed to provide a safe, comfortable and relaxed second home for one important part of our workforce – temporary fly-in, fly-out construction personnel - expected to peak in 2014-2015.

“We wanted a village that would foster a sense of community and a happier, healthier workforce, and reduce pressure on community services by providing accommodation, food, security, social and recreational outlets, health and other services.”

Medical centre

The 67 hectare village includes a 50-seat cinema, swimming pool, library, outdoor beach volleyball court, cardio and spin room, gym, 2700 m running track, music room, basketball and tennis courts, cricket nets, internet room, tavern, shop and more. A 24/7 medical centre alleviates pressure on public health services and cuts unnecessary emergency call-outs.

Comprehensive planning for Manigurr-ma Village started after Darwin was first considered as a location for the project’s onshore LNG facilities in 2008. Environmental, social, health and traffic impact assessments were completed and community consultation and engagement has been extensive.

Local contracts

Bon added that approximately 60% of the capital expenditure for Manigurr-ma Village had been spent on local contracts.

“NT based businesses have undertaken a wide range of works - everything from fencing to fire detection and alarm systems. Around 95% of the village construction workforce was from the Territory. And of the operational staff from ESS-Larrakia, 85% are local and 12% are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander,” Bon concluded.

At full operation, the village will employ approximately 200 management and maintenance staff, including security guards, landscapers, gardeners, cleaners, caterers, kitchen and laundry staff, bus drivers, administration officers and medical specialists.

Image courtesy of INPEX.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/30072014/ichthys-lng-project-accommodation-complete-1101/