A bit rich to doubt magnetite
An article questioning the viability of the Karara magnetite project, the premier’s statements on council amalgamations, and the Kimberley gas hub prompted the following letters to our website: www.wabusinessnews.com.au
I WOULD like to comment on Tim Treadgold’s article about magnetite, ‘Survival the focus for iron ore adventures’ (WA Business News, October 4).
As the member for Geraldton I’ve made at least six visits to the Karara Mining site, and also visited Ansteel in China, its partner, and China’s second largest steel producer.
I see Karara as critical for the future of Geraldton and the Mid West.
Karara has not only built its mine, but also a 180-kilometre powerline, an 80km railway line, a 145km water pipeline, a berth at Geraldton port and other infrastructure. I expect the first magnetite to be exported in January. All Karara production is committed to Ansteel for the life of the mine.
I can’t comment about all magnetite mines in Western Australia. I can say, however, Karara has always impressed me with its can-do attitude, support to local contractors, and things such as its community farm, educational scholarships, and support for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
My expectation is for the mine to build gradually to 30 million tonnes per annum, and be there for 30-50 years, maybe 100. It’s easy to question a new industry, but I’d say take a hard look at Karara before questioning the project.
Ian Blayney Member for Geraldton
Gas gripes
With regard to the article: ‘Kimberley MP lashes gas hub protesters'...
CAROL Martin has been the invisible woman of Broome throughout this whole James Prices Point debacle. The timing of her comment is interesting; we’ve hardly heard a word from her till now.
Kim D’Alton Fremantle
ABOUT time the media took the time to tell the real story as well instead of being led along by the noisy minority that have nothing better to do with their time. Well done, Carol.
Allan Griffiths Broome
Council plan
With regard to the article: ‘20 metro councils needed at most: Barnett'...
THERE is nothing efficient about the current number of local governments. They are very good at adding more layers of red tape on top of state government building rules.
We build simple patio structures and there is a ridiculous amount of inconsistency between shires for the same structure, even to the point that within the same shire you will get different requirements depending on which person you deal with.
Cut the tape, cut the waste and use the money saved on the fancy council buildings to give some quality service back to the people.
Marcus Fulker WA
WITH so many councils currently all taking their own governing rules over and above the state R-code rulings, it is becoming increasingly and unnecessarily costly to people wanting to build a home.
Fewer councils and one law can only benefit all, along with assisting affordability issues that get brought up so often.
I encourage Mr Barnett to move ahead steadily in this great direction of change.
Glenn Stannard Perth
