❓ The Minister for State Development addresses questions regarding the need for a new location for downstream processing projects in the State's north, outlining the government's approach to identifying the best site based on economic, social, and environmental factors.
AnsweredQoN 947Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the minister to his media statement of 13 August 2003 announcing a two-day tour of the north west by the minister to brief local communities on progress in identifying the best location for future downstream processing projects in the State’s north. (1) Will the minister explain why the Government needs to identify a new location for downstream processing projects? (2) Will the minister outline the process in which the Government will engage to identify the best location for future downstream processing projects in the State’s north? Mr C.M. BROWN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Kimberley for the question. (1)-(2) It is true that last week I had the opportunity to visit Karratha and Port Hedland to meet with the local authorities and communities to talk about the next strategic industrial area that the Government should find for major projects in this State. This Government can quite proudly say that it has worked very hard to attract investment into Western Australia. It has now reached the point at which virtually all the land that had been earmarked for industrial development on the Burrup Peninsula has been allocated. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have been telling you that for two years. Mr C.M. BROWN: No. I do not want to get distracted, but the Leader of the Opposition might recall that his view, expressed publicly, was that three projects should be located on the Burrup Peninsula, and not the seven projects that are currently located there. The reason that the Leader of the Opposition said that is that during the time the coalition was in power he allocated three projects. There was nothing mysterious about it; it is the fact that he has been saying that. However, the Government has been attracting further major development to the area, to the point that we need to allocate further land for a strategic industrial site. I am very pleased that the Government is continuing to attract that investment. Of course, it is part of the Government’s commitment to economic development and to create more jobs in Western Australia. While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
(1) Will the minister explain why the Government needs to identify a new location for downstream processing projects? (2) Will the minister outline the process in which the Government will engage to identify the best location for future downstream processing projects in the State’s north? Mr C.M. BROWN replied: I thank the member for Kimberley for the question. (1)-(2) It is true that last week I had the opportunity to visit Karratha and Port Hedland to meet with the local authorities and communities to talk about the next strategic industrial area that the Government should find for major projects in this State. This Government can quite proudly say that it has worked very hard to attract investment into Western Australia. It has now reached the point at which virtually all the land that had been earmarked for industrial development on the Burrup Peninsula has been allocated. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have been telling you that for two years. Mr C.M. BROWN: No. I do not want to get distracted, but the Leader of the Opposition might recall that his view, expressed publicly, was that three projects should be located on the Burrup Peninsula, and not the seven projects that are currently located there. The reason that the Leader of the Opposition said that is that during the time the coalition was in power he allocated three projects. There was nothing mysterious about it; it is the fact that he has been saying that. However, the Government has been attracting further major development to the area, to the point that we need to allocate further land for a strategic industrial site. I am very pleased that the Government is continuing to attract that investment. Of course, it is part of the Government’s commitment to economic development and to create more jobs in Western Australia. While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
(2) Will the minister outline the process in which the Government will engage to identify the best location for future downstream processing projects in the State’s north? Mr C.M. BROWN replied: I thank the member for Kimberley for the question. (1)-(2) It is true that last week I had the opportunity to visit Karratha and Port Hedland to meet with the local authorities and communities to talk about the next strategic industrial area that the Government should find for major projects in this State. This Government can quite proudly say that it has worked very hard to attract investment into Western Australia. It has now reached the point at which virtually all the land that had been earmarked for industrial development on the Burrup Peninsula has been allocated. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have been telling you that for two years. Mr C.M. BROWN: No. I do not want to get distracted, but the Leader of the Opposition might recall that his view, expressed publicly, was that three projects should be located on the Burrup Peninsula, and not the seven projects that are currently located there. The reason that the Leader of the Opposition said that is that during the time the coalition was in power he allocated three projects. There was nothing mysterious about it; it is the fact that he has been saying that. However, the Government has been attracting further major development to the area, to the point that we need to allocate further land for a strategic industrial site. I am very pleased that the Government is continuing to attract that investment. Of course, it is part of the Government’s commitment to economic development and to create more jobs in Western Australia. While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
Mr C.M. BROWN replied: I thank the member for Kimberley for the question. (1)-(2) It is true that last week I had the opportunity to visit Karratha and Port Hedland to meet with the local authorities and communities to talk about the next strategic industrial area that the Government should find for major projects in this State. This Government can quite proudly say that it has worked very hard to attract investment into Western Australia. It has now reached the point at which virtually all the land that had been earmarked for industrial development on the Burrup Peninsula has been allocated. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have been telling you that for two years. Mr C.M. BROWN: No. I do not want to get distracted, but the Leader of the Opposition might recall that his view, expressed publicly, was that three projects should be located on the Burrup Peninsula, and not the seven projects that are currently located there. The reason that the Leader of the Opposition said that is that during the time the coalition was in power he allocated three projects. There was nothing mysterious about it; it is the fact that he has been saying that. However, the Government has been attracting further major development to the area, to the point that we need to allocate further land for a strategic industrial site. I am very pleased that the Government is continuing to attract that investment. Of course, it is part of the Government’s commitment to economic development and to create more jobs in Western Australia. While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
I thank the member for Kimberley for the question. (1)-(2) It is true that last week I had the opportunity to visit Karratha and Port Hedland to meet with the local authorities and communities to talk about the next strategic industrial area that the Government should find for major projects in this State. This Government can quite proudly say that it has worked very hard to attract investment into Western Australia. It has now reached the point at which virtually all the land that had been earmarked for industrial development on the Burrup Peninsula has been allocated. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have been telling you that for two years. Mr C.M. BROWN: No. I do not want to get distracted, but the Leader of the Opposition might recall that his view, expressed publicly, was that three projects should be located on the Burrup Peninsula, and not the seven projects that are currently located there. The reason that the Leader of the Opposition said that is that during the time the coalition was in power he allocated three projects. There was nothing mysterious about it; it is the fact that he has been saying that. However, the Government has been attracting further major development to the area, to the point that we need to allocate further land for a strategic industrial site. I am very pleased that the Government is continuing to attract that investment. Of course, it is part of the Government’s commitment to economic development and to create more jobs in Western Australia. While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
(1)-(2) It is true that last week I had the opportunity to visit Karratha and Port Hedland to meet with the local authorities and communities to talk about the next strategic industrial area that the Government should find for major projects in this State. This Government can quite proudly say that it has worked very hard to attract investment into Western Australia. It has now reached the point at which virtually all the land that had been earmarked for industrial development on the Burrup Peninsula has been allocated. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have been telling you that for two years. Mr C.M. BROWN: No. I do not want to get distracted, but the Leader of the Opposition might recall that his view, expressed publicly, was that three projects should be located on the Burrup Peninsula, and not the seven projects that are currently located there. The reason that the Leader of the Opposition said that is that during the time the coalition was in power he allocated three projects. There was nothing mysterious about it; it is the fact that he has been saying that. However, the Government has been attracting further major development to the area, to the point that we need to allocate further land for a strategic industrial site. I am very pleased that the Government is continuing to attract that investment. Of course, it is part of the Government’s commitment to economic development and to create more jobs in Western Australia. While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
Mr C.J. Barnett: I have been telling you that for two years. Mr C.M. BROWN: No. I do not want to get distracted, but the Leader of the Opposition might recall that his view, expressed publicly, was that three projects should be located on the Burrup Peninsula, and not the seven projects that are currently located there. The reason that the Leader of the Opposition said that is that during the time the coalition was in power he allocated three projects. There was nothing mysterious about it; it is the fact that he has been saying that. However, the Government has been attracting further major development to the area, to the point that we need to allocate further land for a strategic industrial site. I am very pleased that the Government is continuing to attract that investment. Of course, it is part of the Government’s commitment to economic development and to create more jobs in Western Australia. While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
Mr C.M. BROWN: No. I do not want to get distracted, but the Leader of the Opposition might recall that his view, expressed publicly, was that three projects should be located on the Burrup Peninsula, and not the seven projects that are currently located there. The reason that the Leader of the Opposition said that is that during the time the coalition was in power he allocated three projects. There was nothing mysterious about it; it is the fact that he has been saying that. However, the Government has been attracting further major development to the area, to the point that we need to allocate further land for a strategic industrial site. I am very pleased that the Government is continuing to attract that investment. Of course, it is part of the Government’s commitment to economic development and to create more jobs in Western Australia. While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
(1) Will the minister explain why the Government needs to identify a new location for downstream processing projects? (2) Will the minister outline the process in which the Government will engage to identify the best location for future downstream processing projects in the State’s north? Mr C.M. BROWN replied: I thank the member for Kimberley for the question. (1)-(2) It is true that last week I had the opportunity to visit Karratha and Port Hedland to meet with the local authorities and communities to talk about the next strategic industrial area that the Government should find for major projects in this State. This Government can quite proudly say that it has worked very hard to attract investment into Western Australia. It has now reached the point at which virtually all the land that had been earmarked for industrial development on the Burrup Peninsula has been allocated. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have been telling you that for two years. Mr C.M. BROWN: No. I do not want to get distracted, but the Leader of the Opposition might recall that his view, expressed publicly, was that three projects should be located on the Burrup Peninsula, and not the seven projects that are currently located there. The reason that the Leader of the Opposition said that is that during the time the coalition was in power he allocated three projects. There was nothing mysterious about it; it is the fact that he has been saying that. However, the Government has been attracting further major development to the area, to the point that we need to allocate further land for a strategic industrial site. I am very pleased that the Government is continuing to attract that investment. Of course, it is part of the Government’s commitment to economic development and to create more jobs in Western Australia. While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
(2) Will the minister outline the process in which the Government will engage to identify the best location for future downstream processing projects in the State’s north? Mr C.M. BROWN replied: I thank the member for Kimberley for the question. (1)-(2) It is true that last week I had the opportunity to visit Karratha and Port Hedland to meet with the local authorities and communities to talk about the next strategic industrial area that the Government should find for major projects in this State. This Government can quite proudly say that it has worked very hard to attract investment into Western Australia. It has now reached the point at which virtually all the land that had been earmarked for industrial development on the Burrup Peninsula has been allocated. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have been telling you that for two years. Mr C.M. BROWN: No. I do not want to get distracted, but the Leader of the Opposition might recall that his view, expressed publicly, was that three projects should be located on the Burrup Peninsula, and not the seven projects that are currently located there. The reason that the Leader of the Opposition said that is that during the time the coalition was in power he allocated three projects. There was nothing mysterious about it; it is the fact that he has been saying that. However, the Government has been attracting further major development to the area, to the point that we need to allocate further land for a strategic industrial site. I am very pleased that the Government is continuing to attract that investment. Of course, it is part of the Government’s commitment to economic development and to create more jobs in Western Australia. While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
Mr C.M. BROWN replied: I thank the member for Kimberley for the question. (1)-(2) It is true that last week I had the opportunity to visit Karratha and Port Hedland to meet with the local authorities and communities to talk about the next strategic industrial area that the Government should find for major projects in this State. This Government can quite proudly say that it has worked very hard to attract investment into Western Australia. It has now reached the point at which virtually all the land that had been earmarked for industrial development on the Burrup Peninsula has been allocated. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have been telling you that for two years. Mr C.M. BROWN: No. I do not want to get distracted, but the Leader of the Opposition might recall that his view, expressed publicly, was that three projects should be located on the Burrup Peninsula, and not the seven projects that are currently located there. The reason that the Leader of the Opposition said that is that during the time the coalition was in power he allocated three projects. There was nothing mysterious about it; it is the fact that he has been saying that. However, the Government has been attracting further major development to the area, to the point that we need to allocate further land for a strategic industrial site. I am very pleased that the Government is continuing to attract that investment. Of course, it is part of the Government’s commitment to economic development and to create more jobs in Western Australia. While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
I thank the member for Kimberley for the question. (1)-(2) It is true that last week I had the opportunity to visit Karratha and Port Hedland to meet with the local authorities and communities to talk about the next strategic industrial area that the Government should find for major projects in this State. This Government can quite proudly say that it has worked very hard to attract investment into Western Australia. It has now reached the point at which virtually all the land that had been earmarked for industrial development on the Burrup Peninsula has been allocated. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have been telling you that for two years. Mr C.M. BROWN: No. I do not want to get distracted, but the Leader of the Opposition might recall that his view, expressed publicly, was that three projects should be located on the Burrup Peninsula, and not the seven projects that are currently located there. The reason that the Leader of the Opposition said that is that during the time the coalition was in power he allocated three projects. There was nothing mysterious about it; it is the fact that he has been saying that. However, the Government has been attracting further major development to the area, to the point that we need to allocate further land for a strategic industrial site. I am very pleased that the Government is continuing to attract that investment. Of course, it is part of the Government’s commitment to economic development and to create more jobs in Western Australia. While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
(1)-(2) It is true that last week I had the opportunity to visit Karratha and Port Hedland to meet with the local authorities and communities to talk about the next strategic industrial area that the Government should find for major projects in this State. This Government can quite proudly say that it has worked very hard to attract investment into Western Australia. It has now reached the point at which virtually all the land that had been earmarked for industrial development on the Burrup Peninsula has been allocated. Mr C.J. Barnett: I have been telling you that for two years. Mr C.M. BROWN: No. I do not want to get distracted, but the Leader of the Opposition might recall that his view, expressed publicly, was that three projects should be located on the Burrup Peninsula, and not the seven projects that are currently located there. The reason that the Leader of the Opposition said that is that during the time the coalition was in power he allocated three projects. There was nothing mysterious about it; it is the fact that he has been saying that. However, the Government has been attracting further major development to the area, to the point that we need to allocate further land for a strategic industrial site. I am very pleased that the Government is continuing to attract that investment. Of course, it is part of the Government’s commitment to economic development and to create more jobs in Western Australia. While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
Mr C.J. Barnett: I have been telling you that for two years. Mr C.M. BROWN: No. I do not want to get distracted, but the Leader of the Opposition might recall that his view, expressed publicly, was that three projects should be located on the Burrup Peninsula, and not the seven projects that are currently located there. The reason that the Leader of the Opposition said that is that during the time the coalition was in power he allocated three projects. There was nothing mysterious about it; it is the fact that he has been saying that. However, the Government has been attracting further major development to the area, to the point that we need to allocate further land for a strategic industrial site. I am very pleased that the Government is continuing to attract that investment. Of course, it is part of the Government’s commitment to economic development and to create more jobs in Western Australia. While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
Mr C.M. BROWN: No. I do not want to get distracted, but the Leader of the Opposition might recall that his view, expressed publicly, was that three projects should be located on the Burrup Peninsula, and not the seven projects that are currently located there. The reason that the Leader of the Opposition said that is that during the time the coalition was in power he allocated three projects. There was nothing mysterious about it; it is the fact that he has been saying that. However, the Government has been attracting further major development to the area, to the point that we need to allocate further land for a strategic industrial site. I am very pleased that the Government is continuing to attract that investment. Of course, it is part of the Government’s commitment to economic development and to create more jobs in Western Australia. While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
While in the Burrup last week, which I know, Mr Speaker, you hold very fondly as your seat, I saw the Government’s vision coming to reality, with the Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd’s earthworks now well advanced. Of course, subject to commonwealth government financial closure with the Methanex project, we hope to see that project going ahead. We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
We must now look at the best location for the next strategic industrial site. We will do that, taking into account three factors - what we call the triple-bottom-line approach; that is, we will look for the optimum economic, social and environmental outcomes when selecting the next industrial site. Over the next three months we will conduct what we call the northern strategic industrial areas environmental, social and economic study. That study will look at five areas: Maitland-West Intercourse Island, Boodarie, Cape Lambert, Cape Preston and Oakajee. There are challenges with a number of those sites. Indeed, there is some opposition to Maitland-West Intercourse Island, which is an area that has been suggested as a site, on the basis of Aboriginal rock art and environmental issues concerning West Intercourse Island. It is not an easy decision. We must examine each of those matters. We must also examine how receptive the local communities are. I was pleased that in Karratha and Port Hedland, where we met with members of the community, both of the meetings were receptive to the two areas that concerned them. Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
Whichever location is chosen, it will be a challenge for government to find the infrastructure for the area. Desktop studies indicate that if one were to select, for example, the Maitland-West Intercourse site, infrastructure of $300 million to $400 million would be necessary. In that regard I also indicate that there have been discussions with the Australian Government, particularly about the Gorgon project, which is currently being considered by government and will be considered in the next two to three weeks, and the prospect of the Australian Government sharing part of its petroleum resource rent tax. The Commonwealth Government has indicated very clearly to the State that it would not countenance under any circumstances any sharing of that resource rent tax; it would not contemplate that, and the door was closed. However, we are pursuing issues of common user infrastructure with the Commonwealth with a view to growing the economy of Western Australia. We believe that the Commonwealth can make a substantial contribution to providing infrastructure, particularly given that the major projects to be located on these industrial estates as gas-based projects will provide a revenue flow to the Commonwealth of something like 90 per cent, with 10 per cent going to the State. On that basis, the Government believes that it is appropriate in terms of growing the pie and getting more revenue for not only Australia as a whole but also Western Australia that the Commonwealth come to the party and agree with the State in its meeting the infrastructure needs of Western Australia for future industry development, and particularly for the type of industry development that will benefit the north of the State and northern communities. This is an important issue not only for Western Australia but also for Australia as a whole. These projects will provide a revenue stream and income not only for Western Australians but also for all Australians. That is why it is important that all Australians make a contribution. This is not simply about pushing an obligation onto the Commonwealth; it is also about growing the economy in the national interest for the benefit of all Australians and particularly for the benefit of Western Australians.
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