It is reported that Pilbara MP Mr Tom Stephens has slammed a proposal to house 6,000 fly in fly-out workers at a camp between Port and South Hedland.

BHP Billiton has reportedly lodged the proposal in order to cater for its expanding iron ore operations in the region. Councillors will assess the proposal on Wednesday.

Mr Stephens says such a large influx of workers will have huge repercussions on healthcare services, roads and the wider community. He said that "There no justification for rapidly expanding the town of Port Hedland with 6,000 beds for fly-in fly-out workers; swamping the town without adequate regard to the infrastructure that's needed."

Mr Stephens says more time is needed to assess the proposal. He said that "BHP Billiton understandably pursues its interests. He added that people like myself and the town of Port Hedland, the Government of Western Australia have the task of subjecting the demands of BHP Billiton to the needs and interests of the state and of the town and of the region."

(Sourced from www.abc.net.au)