Question Time

POINT LOWLY

The Hon. M. PARNELL (16:59): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Mineral Resources Development a question about development on the Point Lowly Peninsula.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M. PARNELL: Last night, the Whyalla city council unanimously passed the following motion:

That 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 call upon the 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 planning (environmental, economic and social). Form a new committee or 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 has the task of implementing an International Association for Public Participation Australasia engagement process to establish criteria for port infrastructure and site selection.

This motion, carried unanimously last night in Whyalla, follows an extensive consultation process undertaken by the council in which over 300 residents responded. I understand that that is the largest response Whyalla council has ever had on an issue. The media reports today suggest that the Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association will back the council's call. In addition, a new group has formed in Whyalla called the Alternate Port Working Group which is made up of members with, collectively, hundreds of years' experience in heavy industry, engineering and major projects, and it argues that Point Lowly is not in the long-term interests of the mining industry. My questions to the minister are:

1. In response to this clear call from the local council and the local community, will the government now take seriously the search for an alternative site to the proposed new mineral exporting facility at Point Lowly?

2. Will the government accept the council's call and initiate a new site selection process that genuinely takes into account social, environmental and economic factors for the establishment of a deep sea port in the Whyalla region?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (17:01): The answer to the question is that, of course, the government has put a significant amount of time into investigating an appropriate site for a deep water port to the north of Spencer Gulf. There are not, unfortunately, a huge number of alternative sites around which meet all the requirements relating to a major facility.

There is currently an environmental impact statement (which is being printed as we speak) by BHP Billiton relating to its proposals for the Point Lowly area. I believe that will be released on 1 May and it will be the largest document ever printed in this state when it is prepared. It will be looking at many of the issues that were included in the honourable member's questions. That is just one of the proposals which impacts upon this particular site.

It is my understanding that expressions of interest were called in relation to the particular proposal by my colleague the Minister for Infrastructure. I understand Flinders Ports has been doing some work on that matter. If I recall correctly, it was given four months to look at options, and that period of time must be coming towards its end. They are matters for my colleague the Minister for Infrastructure. I will see whether he has anything further to add in relation to the questions.

However, I would not like it to be suggested that there has not been a very comprehensive and significant process embarked upon by the government in looking at the viable alternative sites for ports in that area. There are mining and other types of operations in the region that need consideration in relation to Eyre Peninsula. There are mines closer to Port Lincoln, and I am sure that the honourable member is aware that companies such as Centrex have been looking at both temporary facilities in Port Lincoln and alternative ports in that part of Eyre Peninsula.

There may well be a number of sites ultimately chosen but currently, as I understand it, Flinders Ports is looking at the feasibility of this particular site, and it is the government's view that that process should be completed. When that process has been completed by Flinders Ports, we will be in a position to go forward in whatever way is deemed appropriate. I certainly do not accept that government has not given significant consideration to possible sites for a major port within the Upper Spencer Gulf region.