25/2/02
Goldfields-Esperance Minister Nick Griffiths said today that the Ravensthorpe Nickel Project was about development and jobs and was central to the future development of the Goldfields-Esperance region.
Mr Griffiths was speaking at a breakfast hosted by the Shire of Ravensthorpe to launch the 'Blueprint for the Future Project'.
"The blueprint will identify the economic, social and environmental issues that will impact on the local communities arising from the Ravensthorpe Nickel Project," he said.
"It will help the local authorities prepare for the challenges ahead.
"This means planning for sufficient housing and medical services, community and educational facilities, and importantly identifying a sufficient and reliable workforce.
"In 20 years, the Shires of Esperance and Ravensthorpe want to be in a position to maintain their population, to provide alternative opportunities for mine workers, and to retain the industries that evolved during that time."
Mr Griffiths said the project would help start addressing some of the challenges the region faced, including the recruitment and retention of key staff, such as teachers, doctors and nurses.
"As a community, we can only really start to address this problem if we can provide the services and quality of life people desire," he said.
"The proposed $950million project, with a 20-year life, will enable the development of the infrastructure and other services that will attract people to the region.
"It's about providing a secure future in the region for working people and their families."
Mr Griffiths said that even though the project would create 1,200 new jobs during construction and 300 permanent positions, the spin-off effect could not be underestimated.
"The project will help create a prosperous and dynamic community that will need to rely on the development of local services, such as community and recreational facilities and retail outlets," he said.
"It will also help revive mineral exploration in the mineral-rich Ravensthorpe area and test new processing technologies."
Mr Griffiths said the State Government had committed $18.4million to provide the necessary infrastructure required to ensure the project had a locally based workforce and not one that flew in and flew out.
The funding remains subject to a Federal Government contribution at least equal to the contribution already made by the State Government.
Minister's office: 9222 8950
