Media Releases
Resource Productivity Key in 2012-13 State Budget
19/01/12
Increasing productivity in the resources sector is the central theme of a pre-budget submission by The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME).
CME Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith said while the growth of the WA resources sector was delivering economy-wide benefits, investment in strategic infrastructure was crucial.
“In its submission, CME offers recommendations to the State Government on core policy areas that will allow the WA resources sector to grow and increase its efficiency,” Mr Howard-Smith said.
“These measures span a wide range of areas from taxation, land access, industrial relations, infrastructure, local industry participation and the environment, to people and skills, occupational health and safety and aboriginal heritage.
“Identified as the biggest constraint to growth is the lack of a strategic infrastructure plan.
“The current portfolio by portfolio approach to infrastructure planning and investment is not sustainable for the kind of growth the State is experiencing. A State Infrastructure Plan is essential and would provide a platform to address these issues.”
CME also encourages:
• The roll out of the successful Pilbara Cities initiative into other regions including the Mid West, South West, Goldfields and Kimberley region.
• Prioritising the delivery of the Gateway WA project to make access to Perth Airport the most efficient it can be for all those using the airport
• Strong support for the delivery of the 330kV line to secure energy supplies in the Mid West
• Implementation of exploration incentives, to ensure sustainable long-term growth for the resources sector into the future
• Transparent consultation with industry over royalty rate increases
• Commitment to ongoing approvals reform in consultation with industry
“The strong performance and prospects of the resources sector should not be taken for granted,” Mr Howard-Smith said.
“CME believes these are steps the Government could take to underpin a productive an efficient future for all West Australians.”