Premier opens new quarry near Bunbury

24/03/00
Premier Richard Court today opened a new $15 million crushing plant and quarry near Bunbury, describing the project as further evidence of investor confidence in the South-West economy.
Mr Court said the new facility, established by the Giacci group of companies, reflected the strength and diversity of investment in the region.
The Giacci company had grown rapidly since it first began in Bunbury in 1968 and is now Western Australia's largest privately-owned bulk haulage transport company.
Its extensive haulage, shipping, storage and civil contracting operations have now been expanded into concrete batching and quarry services.
"The substantial investment by Giacci in this quarry exemplifies the vision and commitment the company has shown in this State and its future," Mr Court said.
"The company has made the most of its regional base and can be proud of its contribution to the development of regional WA."
The crushing plant in Gelorup uses world-first technology and will produce 1,500 tonnes of crushed rock per day.
The design of the plant minimises any social impact from the quarry operation.
The primary crusher has been built below ground level, in the quarry, to cut down noise emission. New rubber and plastic screens are much quieter than metal screens.
The company has also designed the plant to capture dust at key transfer points.
The plant, fully engineered in Australia and built by Svedala Australia, involves a three-stage crushing process. It can produce a range of aggregate sizes which are largely used for road base materials and concrete.
Mr Court said the official opening celebrations marked another milestone in the growth of the local economy.
"In the past decade the gross regional product for the South-West has more than doubled to $3.7 billion; employment has grown by 33.8 per cent; the unemployment rate is averaging around five per cent - down from 10.5 per cent in 1992 and the value of minerals and energy production in the region has almost doubled, increasing from $553 million in 1990 to
$1.089 billion," the Premier said.
"This growth reflects the diversity of the South-West economy - a characteristic which is reflected in the new facility at Gelorup."
Media contact: Casey Cahill 9222 9475