Chapman Valley seeking comment on first development application for Oakajee for ammonium nitrate facility

The Shire of Chapman Valley is seeking feedback on a development application which, if successful, would see the first leaseholder at Oakajee break ground at the site. Often criticised by residents for the lack of progress, Oakajee remains part of the State Government’s plan to create a renewable energy hub in the Mid West. Blue Diamond Australia, one of the proponents of the site, aims for a proposed facility to be operational by late 2025. According to the development application, the facility aims to create ammonium nitrate emulsion, a blasting agent for mining operations. The application highlighted the need for a “reliable and cost-effective” ammonium nitrate supply in the Mid West. Shire of Chapman Valley chief executive Jamie Criddle said it was the first proposal to come through for the site. “This is the first development proposal to reach lodgment of application stage after numerous previous projects were investigated at the Oakajee site dating back to when Oakajee was selected by the State Government in 1992 as a site for future processing industry and a deepwater port,” he said. “The development application follows on from the access road works currently being undertaken on site by the State Government at Oakajee. “The proposed . . . ammonium nitrate manufacturing and storage facility site is approximately 2km north of the Buller bridge on the North West Coastal Highway that is currently being replaced.” According to the shire, feedback will be sought until Wednesday March 26, and the shire will then present a recommendation to the State’s Development Assessment Panel, which will make the final decision. Blue Diamond Australia is one of six proponents allocated land by the State Government back in 2022. Mr Criddle said the potential for activation at the site was encouraging, and if the application was approved it could encourage other proponents at the site to turn the soil. However, he said separate approvals would be needed, including from Mid West Ports, to be able to import ammonium nitrate. The $20m central access road to Oakajee is also still under construction, with the application indicating it would be completed in late 2025. Anyone wishing to make a comment to the shire of Chapman Valley can do so by visiting their website. Blue Diamond Australia has been contacted for comment.