The words 'A-Class nature reserve' conjure up images of a picturesque landscape with stunning vistas, but with Barrow Island just 50 kilometres off the pristine Pilbara coast, you could be forgiven for expecting a tropical island paradise. However, once you step off a plane any hope of paradise is quickly dashed as you are greeted with an uninspiring horizon of green spinifex and termite mounds. So why does this speck of land garner so much attention? Simple. It is the site of a $50 billion gas development, that will create thousands of jobs. It is big business on a little island.

So far though, there is little sign of the huge amount of money to be spent on the project.

Fifteen minutes from the air strip is the island's main office. Right now, it is still a relatively small. On a tour, we were shown the standard facilities - the accommodation, mess hall, pool and recreation area, however, it just does not feel 'world class'. That may come in a few years when ...

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