Call for Macfarlane to visit Ravensthorpe and Esperance

7/4/04
Goldfields-Esperance Minister Tom Stephens has called on Federal Resources Minister Ian Macfarlane to add Ravensthorpe and Esperance to the itinerary for his visit to Western Australia this month.
Mr Stephens said Mr Macfarlane should talk with the area's local governments to gain a better understanding of the potential impact and requirements of mineral developments especially the Ravensthorpe Nickel Project.
"A visit to this part of the State would provide an excellent contrast to the Pilbara," the Minister said.
"Mr Macfarlane would be able to see the need for a substantial Commonwealth contribution to transport and community infrastructure to ensure a major regional development opportunity is not missed.
"The Federal Government's abandonment of its responsibilities to Ravensthorpe and Esperance will set back the potential for local benefits.
"Over the life of the project, the Commonwealth will collect $739million in personal and company taxes, while the State will net only $110million in royalties, stamp duty and payroll taxes once grant offsets and additional expenditure is taken into account."
Mr Stephens said the State Government had committed $18.4million for community infrastructure in Hopetoun, Ravensthorpe and Esperance and anticipated spending more than $10million on housing and almost $20million on upgrading Esperance Port.
"There would also be another benefit for Mr Macfarlane - he would get to see a stunningly beautiful part of the State," the Minister said.
Minister's office: 9213 6500