31/7/96
Protection of the Mid-West environment will receive a major boost with the establishment of a Department of Environmental Protection office in Geraldton, Mines Minister and Greenough MLA Kevin Minson said today.
Mr Minson, who opened the new office in Geraldton today, said it would cover an area south to the Coorow shire, east to Meekatharra and north to the Shire of Ashburton boundary.
“The Mid-West region is expanding at a staggering rate with several major projects currently being assessed by the Environmental Protection Authority,” he said.
“Proposed projects in the region include Kingstream Resources steel mill, an iron ore mine at Mt Gibson and the establishment of a direct reduced iron plant at Moonyoonooka.”
Mr Minson said the Government recognised the importance of servicing regional WA and providing appropriate environmental protection services.
“It has been difficult in the past for the department to provide an acceptable level of service to the community and industry because of the travelling time from Perth,” he said.
“There will be now be an immediate response with two environmental officers based at the Geraldton office, and additional support staff available from Perth if required.
“The Geraldton office has reinforced the department’s regional network.
“In addition to Geraldton, the department is also providing additional resources to its Pilbara, Goldfields, South-West and Kwinana offices.”
Long-time Geraldton resident John Miragliotta has been appointed as one of the regional officers. He was born in Geraldton and has strong family ties to the region.
Mr Minson paid tribute to the efforts of local MP Bob Bloffwitch, who had strongly campaigned to have a regional DEP office located in Geraldton.
The new office is located at 5 Burgess Street, Geraldton. The phone number is (099) 643 844 or (099) 643 814. The facsimile number is (099) 643 681.
Media contact: Caroline Lacy (09) 222 9211
