THE Goldfields’ annual mines emergency response competition kicks off today and is a salient reminder of the importance of safety across Western Australia’s resources industry.
Sixty-four competitors, including an all-girls team, and 110 support volunteers are participating in the 2015 Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA Surface Mine Emergency Response Competition, held in Coolgardie.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said the event is “one of the State Government’s top priorities”.
“This weekend will see teams from as far afield as the Gascoyne pitching their emergency skills against each other in a truly testing environment,” Mr Marmion said.
“It’s great to see an all-women team competing too. Every one of these teams and the companies they represent showcase their safety commitment to the Western Australian community.”
Mr Marmion said the Department of Mines and Petroleum was once again closely involved.
“The department, through the government, is providing adjudicators, sponsorship and other support over the competition weekend,” he said.
“This also gives key departmental staff a great opportunity to talk directly with employers and provide feedback about emergency response capabilities.”
The first mines emergency response competition was held in the Goldfields in 1911.
“For more than 100 years, WA has recognised the importance of such events,” Mr Marmion said.
“They give invaluable experience, especially for the teams who also provide vital emergency response capacity in WA’s remote and regional communities.”
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