Launch of Goldfields-Esperance Industry Capability Directory

6/10/98

With many large resource projects in the feasibility and implementation stage throughout the Goldfields-Esperance region, local content is an important issue, according to Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan.

The Minister was speaking today at Anaconda's Murrin Murrin site, near Laverton, while launching the Goldfields-Esperance Industry Capability Directory.

Mr Cowan said the Murrin Murrin, Cawse and Bulong nickel projects, together with their associated infrastructure, alone had an estimated construction cost of close to $2 billion.

"There are also new, major nickel projects planned for the Ravensthorpe area," he said.

"The on-going servicing requirements of these types of developments, once operational, will also be significant.

"While the benefits of these and other resource projects are important to the nation and State, it is also important that communities and businesses in the Goldfields-Esperance regions maximise their opportunities.

"With this in mind, the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission (GEDC), the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Industrial Supplies Office WA, have worked in partnership to prepare the Goldfields-Esperance Industry Capability Directory."

The directory seeks to achieve several aims, including:

·      maximising local content in new and existing resources related projects;

·      assisting local businesses to tender successfully for a greater proportion of this work;

·      encouraging them to develop their capability to meet the needs of major developers and operators; and -

·      promoting the capability of Goldfields-Esperance businesses to project developers and major contractors in the construction and general engineering sectors.

Anaconda chief executive Andrew Forrest, who welcomed Mr Cowan to Murrin Murrin, said local businesses had an impressive record in providing good value and dependable services and products to the mining industry.

"I hope this Capability Directory will build upon the reputation of project developers, contractors, local businesses and communities," Mr Forrest said.

Mr Cowan said that with improving transport corridors and the advent of fly-in/fly-out contracting and servicing, operators based in the Goldfields-Esperance region could no longer expect to win contracts for major developments occurring in the region just by 'being on the spot'.

He added that working to maintain and improve the well-being of existing companies within the Goldfields-Esperance regions was an important priority for the GEDC.

The development of an Industry Capabilities Directory, leading to the formation of a Resource and Trade Opportunities Centre, had the potential to achieve significant results.

Copies of the directory can be obtained by contacting the commission on (08) 9091 1166 or downloading from the Homepage www.gedc.wa.gov.au

Contact: Alison Roberts (GEDC) 08-9091-1166

Julie Cole (Minister's office) 08-9481 2044