PORT PINE BARGING OPERATION

601 Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite) (30 July 2013). Has the government been approached about an interim plan to set up a barging operation at Port Pine as an interim measure for a bulk mineral export port, what work has been done to date and what is the cost and viability of such a plan?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Housing and Urban Development): I am advised there is significant interest in Port Pirie as a potential solution to facilitate mineral exports through a barging operation.

WPG Resources Ltd has approvals in place that would support the establishment of an iron ore barging operation with Flinders Ports at Port Pirie and is currently reviewing opportunities for further mining developments that, if developed, could make use of the Port Pirie approval.

Flinders Ports has also identified alternative options should the demand to export greater volumes be required by the resources sector.

The government provided a grant to the Port Pirie Regional Council to further investigate options to develop Port Pirie as a bulk mineral export port. This work is yet to be completed.