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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1)
2014-07-03 Daily Xml
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Woomera Prohibited Area

Mr HUGHES (Giles) (14:33): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy. Can the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy explain to the house the recent developments with regard to the Woomera Prohibited Area?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:34): I thank the member for his question and his keen interest in expanding our mineral resource wealth, unlike some members who leave little notes for me on my desk.

The Hon. I.F. Evans: Just trying to inform you, Treasurer.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Don't worry. I have already told Santos and Beach you have done this. They are all very excited about your enthusiasm. I welcome the important step in the passage of legislation to unlock potential mineral resource discoveries and developments in the region of the Woomera Prohibited Area. The Defence Legislation Amendment (Woomera Prohibited Area) Bill 2014 passed the Senate last week which will create a regulatory framework for access to the WPA, including rules for explorers wanting to develop the significant mineral resources in the area.

This is a significant milestone for the advancement of South Australia's expanding resources sector. These new rules will free up access to an estimated $35 billion worth of gold, uranium, copper and iron ore that lie beneath the surface of the WPA. The region already hosts Challenger gold mine, Prominent Hill gold mine, Peculiar Knob, high-grade iron ore mine and, of course, it used to hold Olympic Dam until Olympic Dam was excised from the area.

A new access regime will allow the development of multiple mineral deposits across the breadth of the Woomera Prohibited Area, potentially transforming it into one of the country's most significant resource provinces. That means millions of dollars in further investment and hundreds of jobs for South Australians. Stretching over 127,000 square kilometres—roughly equivalent to the land mass of England—the WPA potentially contains some of the richest mineral and petroleum resources in the world.

While defence will remain the primary user of the area for testing and evaluation for now, the legislation sets out user access rights, an access permit scheme, compensation and cost recovery arrangements, enforcement provisions and of course, importantly, an appeals process. This is a win-win for the important principles of Multiple Land Use and coexistence between the vital industry sectors of resources and defence which will drive economic growth and prosperity into the next decade. I commend members opposite to reading and understanding more about Multiple Land Use principles.

I would like to thank the defence minister, Mr Johnston, for his support on this matter, and I would also like to thank former senator Donald Farrell who was instrumental in ensuring—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: —the federal government—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: —instrumental in introducing this legislation as a matter of high priority, a wonderful legacy for the people of South Australia. This vital legislation represents a whole world of opportunity to develop mineralisation in the north of South Australia. I call on all South Australian members of the House of Representatives to ensure the smooth passage of this important legislation.

The SPEAKER: Arising out of that answer, I call to order the member for MacKillop and the member for Heysen. I warn the deputy leader for the second and final time, and I call to order the member for Hammond, and I warn the member for Morialta for the second and final time. The leader.

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