POINT LOWLY

Ms BREUER (Giles) (15:28): When I was elected to this place, I did not think that I would be placed in a position where I would actually be speaking against the state Labor government, but I think it is important that I put on record a motion that was passed unanimously on Monday 16 February at the Whyalla council meeting. I believe it is time for this government to listen to what the people of Whyalla are saying emphatically. The resolution passed on Monday night at the council meeting states:

In view of feedback to council as a result of engagement with the local community regarding the development of a deep-sea port at Point Lowly, the Whyalla City Council calls upon state government to:

Immediately review current site selection process to encompass a regional approach and seriously consider alternative port proposals

Initiate a new site (or sites) selection process for the establishment of a deep-sea port (or ports) to meet the long-term needs of all current and proposed future developments of the mining industry in the region

Ensure that the new selection/decision-making process involves regional communities from the start and that the process embodies genuine triple bottom-line and planning (environmental, economic and social)

Form a new committee/working party which includes representation from state government, regional councils, regional economic development boards, the private sector, local indigenous groups, and local and state-based environmental groups which have the task of implementing the IAP2 (International Association for Public Participation Australasia) engagement process to establish criteria for port infrastructure and site selection

This motion was carried unanimously by the Whyalla City Council. It is time for the government to listen to what we and the people of Whyalla are emphatically saying: we do not want a jetty on the Point Lowly peninsula at Port Bonython, as it is known in Adelaide circles.

Along with the Deputy Mayor of Whyalla, Eddie Hughes, I have been accused by various circles of steering this campaign, but I can emphatically say that this is not the case. We have been echoing what the people of Whyalla are saying. It is important to note today the presence of the mayor and the deputy mayor in this place, who have come down to speak to one of the ministers because this issue is so important to the people of Whyalla.

Last August, the motions put before the Whyalla council were laid on the table because they wanted to have an extensive consultation process with the community. There were a number of public meetings. A questionnaire was sent out to every resident in Whyalla, and there were over 300 replies, which is quite an outstanding response for Whyalla—the best ever; more than any previous response that has been received. Focus groups were called; there was consultation with various groups, including Aboriginal groups; newspapers were monitored, and there were a lot of letters to newspapers; and there was consultation with business people. They were all saying the same: 'We don't want this particular site to be used.'

Of course, everyone knows about the cuttlefish, which are quite unique to our area. With the marine park boundaries, it will be interesting to know what will happen there. Cuttlefish are important to us, but, also, it is probably more an amenity issue for us in Whyalla. We are also very aware of the issue of red dust from ore processing and transport. So, it is important for the government to look at options elsewhere.

Currently, a group of people in Whyalla consisting of scientists, engineers, residents and environmentalists are looking at other options. I think there needs to be greater consultation with them. One option was explored, but I believe it was just a paper chase option; it was not a real exploration of what was possible.

This is not just a Whyalla issue; it is an Eyre Peninsula issue, and I am glad the member for Flinders is here. Port Lincoln people have come out this week and said emphatically that they do not want iron ore loaded out from Port Lincoln. Why not? Because we know what sort of a mess it makes. A greenfield site needs to be looked at—

Mr Venning: And the other side of the gulf.

Ms BREUER: And the other side of the gulf, as member for Schubert has said; it is an issue for them also. We need a greenfield site which will not interfere with local communities, where it will not have a major effect on our environment. The mining industry certainly has needs, and I think that any of us in that area support mining industry and what is happening; it is important for our future, but there has to be better consultation with local people. We need to find a location that will not bother communities and that is financially viable. If they are relying on the fact that the state government owns the Point Lowly peninsula, and it is all dependent on finance, then I do not think this project should proceed in the current climate.

Today on the radio Bob Duffin, chair of Western Plains Resources, said there was no doubt that there are some elements in Whyalla who are absolutely opposed to this project, and he finds it curious because Whyalla owes its existence to iron ore. Well, we do, and we are very aware of the consequences of mining iron ore. For him to say that, I think, is a bit sad. There is a fundamental lack of understanding of what is behind us in our opposition to this. I again urge the state government to reconsider this project.

Time expired.