Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:05:00 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx WALIS International Forum 2009 http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132762 Content:

Lands Minister Brendon Grylls today opened the Western Australian Land Information System (WALIS) International Forum, highlighting the technological advancement that is providing huge opportunities for companies working in the spatial industry.

 

The WALIS forum has become the premier spatial information event in Australia.  More than 600 people have registered to attend the three-day event at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

 

“It is hard to believe that Microsoft’s Virtual Earth and Google Earth are less than five years old, but have become so common that these applications have become part of everyday life,” Mr Grylls said.

 

“Our mobile phones are now able to use web technology and provide us with location-based intelligence, pretty-much wherever we are in the world.

 

“We are certainly at the starting point of a new and exciting phase of innovation in the field of spatial information.”

 

The Asia Pacific Spatial Excellence Awards are also being held in Perth in conjunction with the WALIS forum.

 

“Certainly, the WA spatial industry has clearly demonstrated excellence through the high number of awards and accolades it has received in recent years,” the Minister said.

 

In each of the past two years, WA has won four of the six industry categories at these awards, in addition to several of the individual awards.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7000
Date: 11/11/2009
Minister: Grylls
Portfolio: Lands
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:01:33 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132762 Shorlisted proponents announced for Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132766 Content:

Appointing a main contractor for the Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project moved a step closer today with the announcement of four shortlisted proponents.

 

The State Government’s $220 million Royalties for Regions-funded project would deliver another 8,000ha of irrigated agricultural land at Weaber Plains, north of Kununurra.

 

Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said LandCorp had received 10 submissions from its initial call for Expressions of Interest.

 

“The submissions were from a range of companies and joint ventures, and demonstrated the high level of interest in this project,” Mr Grylls said.

 

“The State Government is looking for a highly experienced contractor capable of delivering the project in a very tight time frame while maximising employment, business and training opportunities for local indigenous people.”

 

Short list:

 

·           Leighton/Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) Joint Venture

·           Team Savannah (BGC Contracting and Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Joint Venture)

·           Macmahon Contractors

·           Transfield Services Australia Ertech Joint Venture.

 

The four proponents have until mid-January 2010 to submit full proposals to LandCorp for the construction, management and delivery of irrigation and road infrastructure to support 8,000ha of farmland.

 

Further information on the Ord-East Kimberley Expansion project is available at http://www.royaltiesforregions.wa.gov.au/ord or call 9192 6557.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7000

Date: 11/11/2009
Minister: Grylls
Portfolio: Regional Development;Lands
Region: Kimberley
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:23:13 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132766 New equipment to improve patient care in Port Hedland http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132740 Content:

Pilbara residents are to benefit from new medical equipment worth $2.5million currently being installed in hospitals across the region, including Port Hedland Hospital.

 

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls and Health Minister Kim Hames said the new equipment would give people living in the Pilbara access to high-tech diagnostic and other hospital services.

 

Mr Grylls said Pilbara hospitals - including Port Hedland - would receive the new equipment, which was funded through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program

 

“The rapid pace of resource development, increasing population and demand for services in the Pilbara continues to have a significant impact on its health system,” he said.

 

Port Hedland Hospital has received up-to-date emergency department (ED) monitoring equipment; a patient transport monitor; a new ECG machine; endoscopes, which will provide earlier diagnosis of bladder and stomach diseases; and a steris machine to clean the endoscopes.

 

Dr Hames said the central monitoring system for the emergency department would help clinicians with patient assessment and monitoring by identifying changes in a patient’s condition.

 

“The patient transport monitor is a mobile unit that monitors vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature and can be used for adults, children and babies,” he said

 

“It gives an early indication of patient declining condition, which is very useful when monitoring people with altered levels of consciousness.”

 

Also arriving in the next few weeks will be new theatre instruments, including an orthopaedic drill and ENT microscopes, a fast scanner and other equipment.

 

Dr Hames said modern equipment would enable medical, nursing and imaging staff to provide the best possible health services for people who live and work in the Pilbara.

 

”Having access to this high-tech equipment is a great recruitment tool as doctors, nurses and imaging staff prefer to work where equipment and facilities are contemporary, modern and easy-to-use,” he said.

 

Mr Grylls said local staff had been closely consulted in identifying where the medical equipment funding was most needed.

 

“An important aspect of all funding from Royalties for Regions is the emphasis on local decision-making by the people who live and work in the region,” he said.

 

The Royalties for Regions scheme is also providing an additional $32.964million under a new partnership with industry which, through the WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy’s Pilbara Industry’s Community Council (PICC), is contributing $5.28million into the region over the next three years. This will further assist in funding urgently needed services and equipment.

 

The State Government has also provided $10million for a package of urgent upgrades to health services and staff accommodation at Nickol Bay Hospital in Karratha.

 

Regional Development Minister’s office - 9213 7000   

Health Minister’s office - 9222 8788

Date: 5/11/2009
Minister: Grylls;Hames
Portfolio: Regional Development;Health
Region: Pilbara
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:12:01 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132740 Pilbara revitalisation creates opportunities for traditional owners http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132743 Content:

The involvement of indigenous people in the development of the Pilbara was the major focus at a meeting today in South Hedland between traditional owners and Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls.

 

The meeting focused on ways to maximise the opportunities for indigenous people under the Royalties for Regions Pilbara Revitalisation program.

 

“The State Government has major plans for the Pilbara and the revitalisation program will provide significant opportunities for participation and partnership,” Mr Grylls said.

 

“I am keen to work with people throughout the region to achieve the best results and I want to make sure the traditional owners are part of the development from the start.”

 

The Minister said the Pilbara’s revitalisation involved a long-term plan to improve infrastructure and community facilities and to enhance the quality of life for its people.

 

“There are numerous opportunities for indigenous training, employment and capacity building that will bring lasting benefits,” he said.

 

The State Government’s presence in the Pilbara focuses on a number of issues including health, energy, water and community development.

 

The shires of Ashburton, Roebourne and East Pilbara, and the Town of Port Hedland have been allocated funding from Royalties for Regions and other partners for projects to help create sustainable and vibrant regional communities.

 

The projects included the:

 

·       South Hedland Town Revitalisation - $23.3million

·       Tom Price Town Centre Revitalisation - $10million

·       Onslow Sporting and Multi Purpose Precinct - $7million

·       Newman Town Centre Redevelopment and Land Release incorporating Newman Cultural Precinct - $20million

·       Karratha Learning and Leisure Precinct - $20.3million

·       rejuvenation of the Port Hedland JD Hardie Centre and Youth Zone - $2.6million

·       South Hedland Multi Purpose Recreation Centre - $4.12million

·       upgrade of public amenities and implementation of crime and safety prevention initiatives in Port Hedland/South Hedland - $10.78million

 

Mr Grylls said the revitalisation of the Pilbara region was a major State Government initiative.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7000
Date: 5/11/2009
Minister: Grylls
Portfolio: Regional Development;Lands
Region: Pilbara
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:21:08 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132743 Pastoral Lands Board appointments http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132735 Content:

Lands Minister Brendon Grylls has announced the appointment of two new members to the Pastoral Lands Board.

 

They are Roger O’Dwyer, who has also been appointed chairman of the board and Brett Crook.  Mr Grylls said the skills and knowledge of the new appointees would be invaluable to the board.

 

“I believe the board should be looking at every opportunity to enhance the pastoral industry through diversification opportunities and the flexibility of land tenure in co-operation with native title holders, to enable expanded economic development,” he said.

 

The Minister also thanked outgoing members Graeme Robertson who had been chairman since July 2004 and Rod Campbell of Kybo Station who had been a member of the board since July 2007. 

 

Membership of the Pastoral Lands Board.

 

Roger O’Dwyer (chairman) (new)

Mr O’Dwyer has extensive knowledge of a wide range of farming systems and has previously held positions which required responsibilities across the whole rural sector.  Mr O’Dwyer has experience on the Pastoral Lands Board having represented the Chief Executive Office for the Department of Agriculture and Food for a number of years. 

He is a Commissioner on the Western Australia Agricultural Produce Commission and previously held the position of chair of the Department of Agriculture and Food’s Sustainability Committee.

 

Brett Crook (Pastoral Member) to September 30, 2010 (new)

Mr Crook has been actively involved in the pastoral industry since 1976, part-owning and managing the Goldfields properties of Woolibar Station until 1988 and Mt Burges Station from 1979 to 1983.  Brett owned and operated the timber supply business of ‘Golden Mile Timber’ from 1989 to 1995 and managed Edjudina Station for Hampton Transport Services from 1996 to 2004. 

 

Since October 2007, he has owned and operated the consulting business of Goldfields Rangeland Services based in Kalgoorlie.  Maintaining pastoral industry involvement, his firm manages the Barrick Gold of Australia pastoral leases of Mungari, Black Flag and Mt Burges in the Goldfields. 

Brett’s long-term participation in the pastoral industry and now interaction with the mining industry, will be highly beneficial to the board, particularly as mining operations continue to expand across pastoral WA.

 

Graeme Rundle (reappointed)

Mr Rundle has a special interest in biodiversity conservation, with a focus on the rangelands, which has involved interaction with related government agencies and the pastoral and mining industries. 

 

He is well respected by the conservation movement, having served on the executives of several non-government organisations (State and national) over the past 30 years.  Mr Rundle is an Executive Member of the WA Conservation Council and a member of the Conservation Commission.  He was also a member on the Alternative Models of Land Tenure Working Group.

 

Paul Baron (reappointed)

Mr Baron is currently the general manager of the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation, the lessees of Cardabia Station north of Coral Bay and the chairperson of the Cardabia Pastoral Company.  Mr Baron has held positions including co-ordinator with the Kuwinwardu Aboriginal Resource Unit in Carnarvon, Vocational and Training Officer and elected Yamatji Regional Councillor for Yamatji region with the Department of Education, Employment and Training in Carnarvon and Kalgoorlie, Chief Executive Officer with the Burringurrah Community Aboriginal Corporation in Carnarvon and indigenous member of the Rangelands Natural Resource Management Coordinating Group of WA.

 

Leanne Corker (reappointed)

Mrs Corker has been the lessee of Red Hill Station in the Ashburton in partnership with her husband Digby since 1987.  Leanne has an excellent understanding of rangeland management including rangeland condition, conservation values, biosecurity and impacts of land use. 

 

She has practical experience in all aspects of station management including cattle handling, infrastructure maintenance and financial management.  Leanne was the secretary of the Carnarvon School of Air Association from 1998 to 2005; has been a local government councillor of the Shire of Ashburton since 2003 and its president since 2005; and an Ashburton Land Conservation District Committee member since 1998.

 

Peter Leutenegger (appointment extended)

Mr Leutenegger has been the lessee of Napier Downs Station, east of Derby since 1992.  

 

All appointments made to September 30, 2010

 

Minister's office - 9213 7000
Date: 4/11/2009
Minister: Grylls
Portfolio: Lands
Region: Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Kimberley;Pilbara
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:36:45 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132735 Development plan for Broome North endorsed by shire http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132709 Content:

Future development plans for Broome have reached the next stage following last night’s endorsement by the shire for public comment of the Broome North development plan.

 

Lands Minister Brendon Grylls today welcomed the new council’s decision.

 

“This is an important step towards providing reasonably-priced land in Broome, with the capacity to provide several thousand private homes, as well as land for social housing, schools, tourism, light industrial and commercial opportunities,” Mr Grylls said.

 

“We’re also aiming to release bigger blocks of land or ‘superlots’ to the private sector, which will develop the land to help deliver more housing and increase competition in the market.

 

The Minister said the Broome North plan was based on extensive community consultation..

 

Shire of Broome deputy president Chris Mitchell said the plan had been prepared to council’s satisfaction and encouraged members of the community to provide formal comment.

 

“The plans for Broome North have been subject to extensive consultation during the concept stages, and this formal advertising period will allow the community to have a final say on the proposed development,” Mr Mitchell said.

 

“Following the advertising period, the shire will review all submissions and then finalise the plan for formal consideration by the council.”

 

The public comment period is open from November 2 to December 14.  The draft

District Development Plan and the draft Local Development Plan are available from http://www.broome.wa.gov.au, the shire offices on 9191 3456 and Broome library.

 

Further information on the proposed development at Broome North is also available at http://www.landcorp.com.au/broomenorth or phone 9482 7499.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7000
Date: 30/10/2009
Minister: Grylls
Portfolio: Lands
Region: Kimberley
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:38:07 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132709 $2.5million for Pilbara water projects http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132711 Content:

The State Government has called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for pilot water projects and associated works in the Pilbara as part of the $300million Royalties for Regions Pilbara Revitalisation Plan.

 

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said $2.5million was available through the EOI process. 

 

“The money is to test the feasibility of projects making the best use of water resources and will contribute to economic diversification in the Pilbara region,” Mr Grylls said.

 

“The State Government is looking for funding proposals for projects that help create secondary economies, including agricultural and silviculture development and indigenous capacity building within the Pilbara hinterland.

 

“We are particularly interested in projects that partner with industry, stimulate local economies and maximise indigenous training, employment and business opportunities.”

 

The EOI call followed the release of the Pilbara Water Prefeasibility Study, which identified water source options and opportunities in the region.

 

The Minister said the study identified options, including the use of excess water from mining operations, supplementary bore field development and pipeline construction to integrate source with demand.

 

Mr Grylls said the $2.5million allowed the testing of some of the options and be made available as grant amounts in three project categories:

§  $10,000 - $50,000 (small)

§  $50,001 to $250,000 (medium)

§  $250,001 and above (big).

 

It was proposed the maximum available grant would be $500,000 (excluding GST).  However, amounts of more than $500,000 might be considered if a project demonstrated exceptional merit.

 

“The Pilbara Revitalisation Plan is an exciting initiative to modernise and transform the region’s communities,” the Minister said. 

 

“Phase One of the plan is under way and focuses on the four key delivery areas of health, energy, water and community development.

 

“The EOI process aims to identify the interest of qualified private and public organisations to deliver small or major pilot water projects, with a view to further developing these as part of the overall vision for the Pilbara.”

 

Information about the EOI process is available on the Department of Regional Development and Lands website at http://www.rdl.wa.gov.au

 

Expressions of Interest close at 2pm WST on Monday, December 7, 2009.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7000
Date: 30/10/2009
Minister: Grylls
Portfolio: Regional Development
Region: Pilbara
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:16:18 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132711 Civil works commence at the Australian Marine Complex http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132708 Content:

The Australian Marine Complex at Henderson will soon be home to a new $35million service and supply base to support some of Western Australia’s biggest resources projects.

 

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls announced civil works had commenced on the supply base, which will support the growing number of oil and gas developments in the State.

 

“The State Government has already secured the Chevron-operated Gorgon project as the base’s first user, which is a win for Gorgon and WA,” Mr Grylls said.

 

“This agreement once again demonstrates the significant benefits the marine complex can deliver for the oil and gas industry.”

 

The new supply base includes construction of a new wharf, able to accommodate roll-on/roll-off vessels of up to 200m in length, with an associated four- hectare staging area for truck trailers.

 

“The base will enable companies like Chevron Australia to deliver significant amounts of equipment by sea which will ultimately reduce the number of road trains required to service their operations,” he said.

 

The service and supply base is being built by Abigroup Contractors with works expected to be completed by July 2010.

 

For more information visit http://www.australianmarinecomplex.com.au or phone 9482 7492.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7000
Date: 29/10/2009
Minister: Grylls
Portfolio: Regional Development
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:12:32 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132708 Building starts on 100th home for government workers in the regions http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132695 Content:

Construction has started on the 100th home for government employees just eight months after the State Government announced that Royalties for the Regions would fund 400 new dwellings for teachers, police officers and other staff in regional locations.

 

The new brick and tile three-bedroom home in Wagin will be the 100th built for government employees from the $200million Royalties for Regions ‘Housing Our Workforce’ funding.

 

The three-bedroom home is one of two homes to be built in Wagin under the scheme by local builder Trevor Parsons and both will be ready to house either a police officer or a teacher in the area by May 2010.

 

Construction has started on Government Regional Officers Housing (GROH) dwellings across the State with completion of the first house funded by the scheme expected in the coming months.

 

Housing and Works Minister Troy Buswell said the 100th home was a great milestone for the program and that the scheme was on target to build 400 new government employee homes over two years.

 

“The start of building on the 100th home is excellent progress and means that we are well on the way to providing additional housing to crucial workers such as police and teachers in regional areas,” Mr Buswell said.

 

“The community is getting much-needed new housing for key workers, taxpayers are getting value for money and we’re able to keep jobs in the building industry.”

 

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the new housing showed the Royalties for the Regions program was delivering direct benefits to country people.

 

“Key government workers such as teachers, police and child protection officers play an essential role in country communities and good housing is critical to attract and retain the best people,” he said. 

 

Mr Grylls said that GROH homes built under the Royalties for the Regions program would be established in the regional areas of greatest need.

 

In the Kimberley, 45 dwellings will be built through Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Kununurra, Warmun and Wyndham.     

 

Work on construction of the homes started in 2008 and, as at September 1, 2009, a total of $51.4million had been committed. Homes are either pre-fabricated in Perth and shipped to the regions or built through a tender or expression-of-interest process.

 

In the Pilbara, 33 new homes will be built across Karratha, Newman, Port Hedland and Tom Price.

 

The Great Southern will benefit from seven new dwellings, the Goldfields 12, the Mid-West and Gascoyne two, and the Wheatbelt 12.

 

All will house government workers across a variety of agencies including fisheries, police, education and child protection. 

 

NOTE:  A map showing the location of the first 100 GROH homes funded through Royalties for Regions Housing Our Workforce is attached.

   

Housing and Works Minister’s office - 9222 9111

Regional Development Minister’s office - 9213 7000

Date: 28/10/2009
Minister: Buswell;Grylls
Portfolio: Housing and Works;Regional Development
Region: All
Attachments: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Attachments/132695/100GROHmap.pdf
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:13:27 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132695 South Hedland revitalisation takes shape http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132659 Content:

The revitalisation of the South Hedland town centre has moved a step closer with planning approval for the developed of up to 130 townhouses and apartments plus commercial, medical and retail space.

 

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said today that approval had been obtained from the Department of Planning for the first stage of the development.

 

“South Hedland’s revitalisation has moved another step closer with this decision,” Mr Grylls said.

 

“The redevelopment of South Hedland will result in a better lifestyle, sense of community and much-improved environment for the growing number of families settling permanently in the region.”

 

The Minister said he was pleased with the feedback and ideas resulting from a series of community workshops to help shape the design of the new town square.

 

The first and three community workshops was facilitated jointly by LandCorp and Urban Design and Landscape Architecture.

 

“Feedback from the workshops clearly shows people want an active town centre that incorporates plenty of shade, a cafe strip, a central multi-use entertainment area to draw crowds day and night, and a water feature,” he said.

 

“Local residents, businesses and police also want community safety and security to be factored into the plans, with calls for the introduction of CCTV and support for higher density mixed-use development to keep the town square activated during all hours.”

 

The Minister said development plans were likely to include a town centre cafe strip featuring water-misters for the hot weather months; an entertainment area that could convert to an open-air cinema at night; and extra-wide eaves and tree-lined streets for added shade. 

 

The town centre upgrade is a key part of the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program with $23million of funding being injected to help change the face of South Hedland.

 

Bulk earthworks for Stage 1 are set to start onsite in mid-November, with civil construction expected to be completed in about October 2010.

 

For more information, please visit http://www.landcorp.com.au/southhedlandtowncentre.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7000
Date: 21/10/2009
Minister: Grylls
Portfolio: Regional Development
Region: Pilbara
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:54:32 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132659