Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/142338
diggingdeep "Much of what shapes the Pilbara and its coast ... will survive and thrive with this latest development." committed to working with the locals and has awarded local businesses significant contracts including facilities maintenance, catering, earthworks, waste collection and transport, with further contracts still to be awarded. FAST FACTS • Onslow is one of the few places on the WA coast where you can enjoy sunrise and sunset over the Indian Ocean, thanks to the town's unique geographical position on Beadon Bay. • 1999's Cyclone Vance provided a record wind gust of 267km/h just south of Onslow, near Exmouth. 34 Most residents now feel that they would not be able to fund critical infrastructure without the project, and are confident that the entire community will benefit. The optimists believe their town will develop for the best while managing to maintain its distinctive Pilbara coast feel. On any given day in Onslow, visitors and locals crowd the eucalypt-lined streets between Beadon Bay Hotel and the town's IGA supermarket. These two great institutions of outback society guard opposite sides of Second Avenue and generate most of the local action throughout the day. Fishing is probably the most important recreational pastime for all residents, FIFO and otherwise, and a sturdy tinny is considered mandatory equipment. They are everywhere, in various states of readiness for that allimportant rod and reel time. FIFO worker and keen fisherman Daniel Physick loves Onslow and its angling opportunities. "Its position on the edge of the Indian Ocean creates the perfect balance for me, so that after a busy day I can often go and do a little fishing – or just spend time wandering along the beach at sunset." And the Pilbara coast is a wonderful wildlife sanctuary for the likes of humpback whales, sea turtles and osprey. It's a special environment and one that is benefitting from the care and professional guidance provided by Western Australia's environmental authorities. With careful handling, much of what shapes the Pilbara and its coast, including its ancient landscape, aweinspiring wildlife, and the characters that reside and pass through here, will survive and thrive with this latest development. Despite Onslow's current growing pains, most residents believe the Wheatstone Project will bring significant benefits to the area for generations to come.