Explanation of impact of Marandoo Bill

Aboriginal heritage clearance for the Marandoo iron ore project will be enshrined in law under legislation introduced into Parliament today.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Judyth Watson said the Bill would ensure that legal claims against the finality of the Section 18 consent did not interfere unnecessarily with the progress of the project.

"The Act enshrines the consent given by me on Monday as a result of recommendations from the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee on the Marandoo project," Dr Watson said.

"That consent was subject to four conditions that acknowledge the need to protect a number of significant Aboriginal sites in the area and salvage archaeological materials which would benefit future generations of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people."

Dr Watson said the Bill should not be confused with the Premier's commitment last month to introduce legislation to facilitate the project, should consent under the Aboriginal Heritage Act not be forthcoming.

"The conditional consent was given after full adherance to the proper process.  This piece of legislation is a specific solution to a specific problem that acknowledges the climate of uncertainty that has developed due to problems with the Act," she said.

"The Government is not interested in solving problems experienced in project timetables on a piecemeal basis.  The Aboriginal Heritage Act will be amended in the coming session of Parliament to ensure that legitimate Aboriginal heritage concerns are met, and that past problems do not recur."

Dr Watson said the Bill would also remove much of the Marandoo mine and corridor area that was the subject of the Section 18 application from the Aboriginal Heritage Act.

She said once the legislation was passed the way would be clear for the company to proceed with its test drilling program.

The release of the Environmental Review Management Program is expected in late February.