South Australia’s newly elected Labor government, aided by the support of Independent Geoff Brock, will bring much needed change to the State’s resources sector, according to the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME).
Jonathon Forbes, SACOME Acting Chief Executive said: “Our industry is almost solely focussed in regional South Australia so we are particularly pleased with the Premiers announcement that the Labor Party will pay more attention to the regions.”
“Our key election priorities focus on developing the regional infrastructure that will enable the
mining and energy sector develop and bring jobs and investment to the region, and wherever
possible benefit the wider community. For example the development of a multi user cape size
vessel port in the Spencer Gulf would mean that iron ore could be efficiently exported, but could
also benefit grain growers as they could get their grain out cheaper.”
“Our call for the development of a 275kv line down the Eyre Peninsula provides not only more
efficient electricity supply for mining, but also benefits the community with more reliable supply and
opportunities for a range of industries which means new investment and jobs for the region.”
SACOME is also looking to the Labor Party to honour its commitment to a range of policies that is
aimed at accelerating investment in exploration and investment in South Australia including:
? a new drill core reference library costing $32.2m;
? a further $4m for the PACE program;
? deferring royalty payments for unconventional gas to attract investment;
? investing a further $4m for the Mining & Petroleum Centre of Excellence;
? sealing the Strzelecki track;
? providing $4m for the upgrading of the air strip at Innamincka;
? establishing a Regional Mining Infrastructure Taskforce with the aim of facilitating a port
solution for bulk commodities within 3 years.
SACOME is also keen to meet with the independent MP, Mr Geoff Brock, who will be the new
Regional Development and Councils Minister in the Labor Government.
“We know that Geoff Brock is a tireless advocate for regional South Australia and we look forward
to sitting down with him to hear his ideas and how the mining and oil & gas sector can play their
part in stimulating the economy and benefiting regional communities,” said Mr Forbes.
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