Leaders meet mine lobby group SEEMA SHARMA 07 Oct, 2010 12:30 AM
City leaders are looking forward to working with the newly formed Eyre Peninsula Mining Alliance to lobby for more infrastructure and community engagement.
Mayor Jim Pollock who is also chair of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula, Whyalla City Council chief executive officer Ian Burfitt and RDA Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula regional director Steven Arndt met alliance representative Stephen Marlow yesterday.
The Eyre Peninsula Mining Alliance has a foundation membership comprising Centrex Metals Ltd, Iron Road Ltd, Lincoln Minerals Ltd and Minotaur Exploration Ltd.
Mr Marlow was in Whyalla yesterday to prepare for a public meeting and road show on October 18.
He said the alliance primarily targets the provision of power, water, transport (road and rail) and port infrastructure.
"The alliance believes that developing infrastructure to suit the needs of the mining industry will benefit all people on the Eyre Peninsula into the future by providing jobs, boosting and diversifying the regional economy, raising income levels, improving services and the standard of living," Mr Marlow said.
"The alliance believes that the mining industry itself must take the initiative and mount the case for infrastructure development on Eyre Peninsula."
Mr Pollock said he was happy to meet any group that had Whyalla and the region's interest at heart.
He said meeting the representative was the first step towards establishing a good relationship with the investors.
"Any move that will help develop infrastructure in Whyalla is welcome," Mr Pollock said.
"I look forward to having discussions with Mr Marlow and members of the alliance.
"We have always lobbied with the State and Federal Governments for major infrastructure developments and Whyalla will always remain a favourite choice to set up a business."
The alliance intends to commission its own expert research and reports to support its arguments and would work alongside recognised industry bodies such as SACOME and RESIC, where their interests align.
