Mid West Strategic Infrastructure Group

The Mid West is currently experiencing substantial interest and growth in its mineral resources, particularly iron ore. The Mid West Strategic Infrastructure Group (MWSIG) is one way the Commission is planning, preparing for and supporting communities to adjust to this growth to minimise impacts and maximise benefits to regional communities.

Born out of the inaugural Mid West Strategic Infrastructure Forum held in April 2005 by MWDC in partnership with the Department for Planning & Infrastructure, the aim of the MWSIG is to “provide a coordinated & holistic approach to ensure the timely provision of strategic infrastructure…to facilitate major project development”.

The Group is a sub-committee of the MWDC. It meets bi-monthly and includes representation from:

Mid West Strategic Infrastructure Group has focused on the following key areas:

– Communication forum – government, community, industry

– Focus on non Oakajee related resources projects and overall industry

– Transport/logistics chain, water, power

– Managing socio-economic impacts – MW Infrastructure Plan (DPI)

– Transport and Services corridors

Key work undertaken by the MWSIG to date includes:

• Provided input to the WA Government response into The Prime Ministers Inquiry into Ports and Exports (April 2005)
• Made a Submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Transport and Regional Services – Inquiry into the integration of regional road and rail networks and their connectivity to ports (June 2005)
• Prepared a Position Paper on Road / Rail issues relating to the transport of Hematite from starter projects. This paper provided options to facilitate increased rail transport instead of road transport. (November 2005);
• Prepared a report into the transport issues emanating from non Oakajee based projects.
• Supported DPI to complete the Oakajee-Narngulu Transport and Services Corridor Study.
• Facilitated the development of a business case to justify the 330 kV line from Pinjar to Moonyoonooka and provided submissions in favour of this infrastructure to the Economic Regulation Authority.
• Continue to work with DPI and liaise with shires to complete the preparation of a Midwest Infrastructure Analysis to ensure the socio-economic impacts of proposed resources projects are understood and planned for.
• Provided feedback on the State Strategic Transport Corridor Strategy and in particular the Goldfields Midwest Corridor.
• Provided feedback on the alternative (coastal) Perth-Darwin Auslink corridor which follows Brand Highway and North West Coastal Highway
• Continue to liaise with the Department of Water on resource project water needs.
• Looking to work with the Mid West Regional Council and other Mid West shires to assist communities to capture local benefit from mining
• Facilitated a workshop for the Geraldton Iron Ore Alliance in conjunction with a number of government agencies to consider the capacity, gaps and development of a Joint Approach to the Development of Strategic Infrastructure.
• Provided feedback to DoIR and DEC on the Strategic Review of the Banded Iron Formations. This review aimed to provide a balanced approach to developing an iron ore industry in the Mid West.
• Providing key stakeholders with updates on major resources projects and their issues.