Study of deep-water port at Oakajee premature

It would be quite premature to carry out a study on a deep-water port at Oakajee, Mid-West Minister Gordon Hill said today.

"In the first place, Oakajee is still only the recommended site for industry in the Mid-West," he said.

"A great deal of work yet has to be done to prove up the site.

"There is little point in doing such a study until Oakajee is confirmed as the site - if it is.

"We first have to determine what sort of industry is to be established before deciding whether a deep-water port is needed.

"I have taken into account the concerns expressed by the Friends of Batavia but it is premature at this stage to investigate the possible need for a deep-water port."

Mr Hill said a report by the Geraldton Port Authority, Shipping Requirements at the Port of Geraldton, had stated that an additional, large export trade would be needed to economically justify a deep-water port.