Will uranium be exported from Port Bonython?

It is very unlikely that uranium will be exported from Port Bonython as it is exported in containers. Port Bonython will not be a container port.

Are there other exporters wanting to use Port Bonython for their product?

The Port Bonython Bulk Commodities Users Group is not the only mining group interested in using Port Bonython. The four companies that make up the group – Western Plains, Ironclad, Centrex and IMX are the first of the new mines to come online. The port will make potential mining ventures more viable. Over the next few decades more than 30 new mines generating significant economic activity and employment could be seeking access to Port Bonython.

How many jobs will these projects create and what is the benefit for Whyalla?

The State Government is conducting a cost-benefit analysis for the development proposals.

In terms of employment, up to 65 direct jobs will be created during the construction phases with further employment opportunities when the projects become operational.

Is the land at Point Lowly subject to Native Title and have the Barngarla people being consulted?

The State Government has legal opinion that Native Title has been extinguished for the land owned by the Minister for Infrastructure. This is the land that the majority of the developments will be built on. Native Title is yet to be extinguished on the coastal reserve and possibly the sea bed but the latter may be covered in the Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) currently being negotiated.

The departments of Trade and Economic Development, Premier and Cabinet and Primary Industry and Resources consulted with the Aboriginal groups in 2001 when the bulk minerals harbour was first proposed.

The exact location of the proposed facilities has not been confirmed. Negotiations will be re-opened once designs have been prepared. The sites being considered respect the areas that were considered sensitive during the 2001 consultation.

BHP Billiton has had extensive contact with the Aboriginal groups for all of its projects areas including Port Bonython.

The developers of the Port Bonython Fuels project have engaged an anthropologist to undertake its negotiations and have contacted the Barngarla legal adviser Philip Teitzel to advise him it will be opening discussions once it has more information.

The Whyalla Council consulted with the Barngarla community in the development of its projects - Kingfish Harbour and the tourism developments at Point Lowly.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Please contact the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.
Telephone: 8463 6242
Email: dtei.ptlowly@saugov.sa.gov.au
Web: dtei.sa.gov.au