$24million Kwinana land buy to boost jobs, industry

21/12/01
The Western Australian Government has finalised purchase arrangements for industrial land and facilities at Kwinana to attract new industry and employment.
Under an agreement signed with BHP Billiton Ltd today, LandCorp and Fremantle Ports will purchase a 207ha property at Kwinana for $24million.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the land, located in the State's premier heavy industry zone, was a key strategic investment for the State.
"Importantly it will facilitate the establishment of the proposed HIsmelt commercial scale pig iron plant which could create about 230 construction jobs and about 100 permanent jobs," Ms MacTiernan said.
"HIsmelt Corporation Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of mining group Rio Tinto Ltd, intends to build a pig iron plant and potentially a steel mill, which, if it proceeds, would complement the other investment and in total would mean an investment of $1.5billion.
"Fremantle Ports will acquire 43ha and has also purchased BHP Transport and Logistics' bulk handling operation which handles products including mineral sands, silica sands, cement clinker, petroleum coke and liquid petroleum gas.
"It will provide employment opportunities for all existing permanent employees, subject to them passing a medical.
"The remainder of the site will be held by LandCorp for future industrial investment."
The contractual agreements for the acquisition of the land and business have been agreed in principle, but are subject to conditions.
Minister's office: 9213 6400