17 July 2013

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam and Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh have expressed their disappointment that the approval for Shree Minerals mine proposal was declared invalid in the Federal Court in Melbourne today.

Shree had proposed the development of an iron ore mine near Nelson Bay River.

“While we respect the role of the Federal Court this is an extremely sad day for Circular Head and the North West region,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“This will not only put this mine in jeopardy, but also make other projects such as Venture Minerals apprehensive about their proposed developments.”

Mayor Quilliam said he hoped Shree Minerals could now work with the relevant authorities to address the particular issues.

“We will have to wait to see whether this means more work has to be done to make the proposal valid,” Mayor Quilliam said.

Mayor Walsh said it was a disappointing development for the wider region that he hoped could be rectified.

“Following recent reports of Tasmania’s high unemployment rate it is frustrating to see such projects stalled and possibly leaving the state,” Mayor Walsh said.

“Unfortunately the delays to this project could give the impression that Tasmania is a bad place to invest, which is something which myself and Mayor Quilliam obviously wish to refute.”