18 December 2012

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam said today’s announcement that Shree Mineral’s Nelson Bay River Mine had been approved was the boost the state needed.

“With up to 125 jobs expected to be created from this project, it is good news for Tasmania,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“This is exactly the kind of investment this state needs and we more than welcome this decision.

“Keeping jobs in the state is particularly important as more and more people are relying on work interstate, which is putting some pressure on families.”

Following news in September that a mining lease had been granted for the $20 million Nelson Bay project south-west of Smithton, Mayor Quilliam said he hoped today’s decision would not be opposed by the environmental movement.

“Today’s news comes after a rigorous environmental assessment process by all levels of government and it is now essential that the environmental movement accept the umpire’s decision and let this project go ahead uninterrupted,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“It would be very disappointing following today’s announcement to see this approval be undermined by unnecessary delays.”

Mayor Quilliam said following the recent downturn in both vegetable processing and the timber industry, it was essential that the community supported the project.

“With Tasmanian Dairy Products now in full production and the potential of gas infrastructure coming to Circular Head, this mine offers our region and indeed the state the security it needs going forward,” Mayor Quilliam said.

 “The possibility that the company will be processing and exporting magnetite and ore hematite at Port Latta, is just one of the many flow-on effects we can expect going forward.”

Mayor Quilliam concluded by thanking Environment Minister Tony Burke for his decision.

“I thank Minister Burke for taking into account the balanced approach Council has promoted in relation to development of the Tarkine region and look forward to the many benefits this will bring in regards to jobs and the wider Tasmanian economy,” Mayor Quilliam said.