Media Releases
CME Welcomes New Port at Anketell
04/03/10
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) has welcomed today’s announcement by Premier Barnett of a new multi-user deep water port and industrial precinct for the Pilbara at Anketell, 30km east of Karratha.
CME Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith said this latest proposal is further recognition that the Pilbara region of Western Australia is the fastest growing minerals and energy production centre in the nation.
“Western Australia’s economy is rapidly recovering from the global economic downturn, but infrastructure is required to facilitate resources investment and is the essential foundation to facilitate broader economic growth and change.
“According to CME’s growth forecast for the Pilbara, existing ports are inadequate to service resources growth.
“Significant investment in new port infrastructure is therefore needed for the Pilbara region to realise its full resource development potential,” Mr Howard-Smith said.
“It is noteworthy that the State government is spending $3.5 million during the next three years to plan for the Anketell development. Expenditure such as this on key regional infrastructure is underpinned by State revenue from royalties.
“It is yet another example of why it is vital that royalties earned in WA, stay in WA,” Mr Howard-Smith said.