OPR welcomes EPA Oakajee assessment

Oakajee Port and Rail has welcomed advice from the Environmental Protection Authority on the assessment process for its $4 billion deepwater port and rail project.

OPR submitted two separate referral documents to the EPA covering:

1. The Oakajee terrestrial port development, for land based infrastructure and services at the Oakajee port; and

2. The 570 kilometre Oakajee rail development.

The EPA has confirmed that each of these components will be assessed at a Public Environmental Review (PER) level.

OPR's Acting Chief Executive Officer Alwyn Vorster said the decision was an important step in the environmental approval process.

"OPR believes the PER is the most appropriate approach to environmental assessment, involving a consultative process that is in the best interests of all stakeholders," said Mr Vorster.

"The process is also consistent with OPR's development timetable and supports timely and efficient delivery of the project."

The PER will involve a four week public review period, expected in mid-2010. OPR is targeting finalisation of the approvals and other project feasibility work during 2010 to allow construction to commence by early 2011.

Mr Vorster said the Oakajee business case remains robust, reflecting its pivotal role in the unlocking of the vast mineral riches of the mid-west region for exporting through a new deepwater port at Oakajee.

"This is a nationally significant project that will also transform the regional economy of the mid west, supported by the direct funding support of the State and Federal governments."

Mr Vorster said OPR remained on track with key milestones and would continue to work collaboratively with Government and other stakeholders to deliver the project.