Mining Approvals to be Fast Tracked
In the 2008 worldwide survey, Australia was listed as one of the top four countries that are attractive for mining investment - but nationally WA was listed at the bottom. What are the other states doing right - but WA has been doing wrong?
I think Rob Jefferies from the Geraldton Iron Ore Alliance answered that question when he said:
“I think the survey speaks for itself. The time and the various government acts that need to be complied with contribute to the amount of risk involved with investment.If these projects take years to get through the approvals process that adds uncertainty.”
I therefore welcome the published statement by Minister Moore that:
“....he is planning to meet Mid West industry representatives and departmental staff on a regular basis to formulate the best way for the State and industry to move forward”.
Minister Moore has got off to a great start by prioritising legislation to enable the $60 million expansion of the Iluka processing plant at Narngulu. Iluka has been a well-regarded Geraldton operation for over thirty years, and has a current workforce of 240 people. According to a company spokesman, the expansion will create another 80 to 90 jobs, and will extend the life of the project for a further ten years.
In the meantime, the current Minister has inherited a considerable challenge.
· It is a disgrace that the Labor government left us with 14,000 outstanding mining approvals.
· It is a disgrace that the Labor government left us with a reputation for the least attractive state in Australia for mining investment.
· And it is a disgrace that the Auditor General, Colin Murphy, was obliged to state - in his report on Resource Project Approvals released in October this year - that Labor’s efforts to streamline the approvals process were not effective.
Mr Murphy noted the failure of government agencies to monitor the progression of projects, and their failure to improve timelines. Most damningly, he found that the system was relying on proponents to improve the standard of their proposals, rather than relying on agencies to improve the standard of their approvals process.
I believe the Barnett government’s decision to create a specialised department for mining approvals, resources and resource safety is the beginning of positive change. It is pleasing to see that the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies supports the decision for a lead agency.
AMEC reportedly stated:
“Some of our members have told us that the WA approvals process had become so dysfunctional they were actively seeking to invest in projects in other states and countries.”
A similar comment was made to me when I spent some time at one of the Mid West mine sites earlier this year.
I think Rob Jefferies from the Geraldton Iron Ore Alliance answered that question when he said:
“I think the survey speaks for itself. The time and the various government acts that need to be complied with contribute to the amount of risk involved with investment.If these projects take years to get through the approvals process that adds uncertainty.”
I therefore welcome the published statement by Minister Moore that:
“....he is planning to meet Mid West industry representatives and departmental staff on a regular basis to formulate the best way for the State and industry to move forward”.
Minister Moore has got off to a great start by prioritising legislation to enable the $60 million expansion of the Iluka processing plant at Narngulu. Iluka has been a well-regarded Geraldton operation for over thirty years, and has a current workforce of 240 people. According to a company spokesman, the expansion will create another 80 to 90 jobs, and will extend the life of the project for a further ten years.
In the meantime, the current Minister has inherited a considerable challenge.
· It is a disgrace that the Labor government left us with 14,000 outstanding mining approvals.
· It is a disgrace that the Labor government left us with a reputation for the least attractive state in Australia for mining investment.
· And it is a disgrace that the Auditor General, Colin Murphy, was obliged to state - in his report on Resource Project Approvals released in October this year - that Labor’s efforts to streamline the approvals process were not effective.
Mr Murphy noted the failure of government agencies to monitor the progression of projects, and their failure to improve timelines. Most damningly, he found that the system was relying on proponents to improve the standard of their proposals, rather than relying on agencies to improve the standard of their approvals process.
I believe the Barnett government’s decision to create a specialised department for mining approvals, resources and resource safety is the beginning of positive change. It is pleasing to see that the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies supports the decision for a lead agency.
AMEC reportedly stated:
“Some of our members have told us that the WA approvals process had become so dysfunctional they were actively seeking to invest in projects in other states and countries.”
A similar comment was made to me when I spent some time at one of the Mid West mine sites earlier this year.
.
Copyright Brian Ellis MLC © 2009 - 2011
Electorate Office: Unit 1, Druids Hall, Corner Durlacher and Sanford Streets, Geraldton, WA 6530. PO Box 231, Geraldton, WA 6531
Ph: +61 (08) 9923 9211; Fax: +61 (08) 9923 9222; Email: brian.ellis@mp.wa.gov.au
Ph: +61 (08) 9923 9211; Fax: +61 (08) 9923 9222; Email: brian.ellis@mp.wa.gov.au