Official opening of Robayne Distributors' Welshpool warehouse

4/4/97

Mines Minister Norman Moore praised Robayne Distributors' commitment to safety when he officially opened the company's new warehouse in Welshpool tonight.

The company is a distributor of automotive, industrial, marine and aircraft paints and associated products.

Mr Moore said the company had shown a responsible, co-operative attitude and a strong commitment to ensuring the health and safety of its staff, customers and the general public.

The new warehouse incorporated storage, paint mixing and retail areas.

It had been purpose-built to include the latest industry standards, particularly in regard to storage and handling of flammable goods.

Robayne Distributors was one of the first few companies in Western Australia to be licensed by the department through an accredited dangerous goods consultant.

"The completed facility is a prime example of how the industry, the consultant and the Department of Minerals and Energy can work together to maximise public safety," Mr Moore said.

The department now uses accredited consultants to assess licence applications for sites to store and handle dangerous goods as part of a changing emphasis in industry regulation.

Industry is being encouraged to take responsibility for and manage the risks it imposes on the community.

This allows the department to place more emphasis on advising the industry and the public on monitoring industry performance and pursuit of companies which fail to comply with the strict regulations.

Media contact: Lynley Jenkins, Department of Minerals and Energy (09) 222 3527 or Hartley Joynt, Minister for Mines Office (09) 321 1444