SA project enters next phase of approval process

SA project enters next phase of approval process

Posted on Friday, October 04 2013 at 3:10 PM

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Port Bonython Bulk Commodities Export Facility, 20 kilometres north east of Whyalla in South Australia, has been released for community comment.

John Rau, the South Australian Minister for
Planning, says this follows the project’s declaration as a Major Development
last year, triggering the most stringent environmental, social and economic
assessment guidelines available under the State’s planning laws.

“The proposed
Port Bonython Export Facility would export up to 50 million tonnes of iron ore
per annum with an estimated capital value of $663 million,” Rau says.

The
project is expected to add $10.2 billion to the Gross State Product, as well as
creating 270 full-time jobs during the construction phase.

Wayne
Foran, principal of Century 21 Myles Pearce in Whyalla, says the town’s 22,000
residents are mostly looking forward to the economic benefits of the project.

“I
think it will give people confidence and attract investors back into town.

“Generally,
things in Whyalla are going very well, but it will just give that boost in
confidence that will help all sectors, including real estate.”

Meanwhile,
Rau says the next step is stakeholder feedback on the EIS.

“To progress this
proposal, we now seek the community’s input and feedback with regards to this Environmental
Impact Statement.

“With this input
from the community, the proponent, Spencer Gulf Port Link, can then respond to
any issues raised and the State Government can undertake its assessment of the
proposed development.”

The venture is expected to cost between $600
million and $700 million and will incorporate
over 23 kilometres of railway construction.

Additional works
include the building of a three-kilometre wharf with a cantilever traveller, as
well as comprehensive loading and storage facilities.

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/API_Property_News/~3/jZR9ptiJ3Po/sa-project-enters-next-phase-of-approval-process