City and mining travel the same road with cooperative agreement

Press release from the CGG.

The City of Greater Geraldton’s Karloo-Wandina project will get an early injection ofcooperation from the mining sector saving ratepayers significant funds and the early preparation of Verita Road that forms part of the project.

Verita Road has been planned by both State and Local Governments for over 35 years and at the Ordinary Meeting of Council last night (February 26), Council endorsed an agreement with Extension Hill Pty Ltd (a subsidiary of Asia Iron Holdings Ltd), to conduct preparatory works for a slurry pipe and return water pipelines to and from the Geraldton port, as part of the road infrastructure development.

Managing Director of Extension Hill, Mr Bill MacKenzie said under these arrangements, the City benefits from the early preparation of the corridor by being able to bring forward the construction of Verita Road.

“This is an excellent example of how the mining industry and the Council can cooperate to reduce their respective costs and at the same time deliver benefits to the community,” he said.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said Verita Road had always been part of the urban planning for the southern suburbs.

“It forms a critical link to provide access and services to the growing community,” he said.

“The early involvement of Extension Hill means preparatory works for the road will be undertaken by the mining company, which will be a win-win situation for both the City and Extension Hill.

“This is a positive outcome of the Council’s Lasting Legacy Policy, we are using resource sector investments to add value to our community, so it is in fact a classic win-win,” Mr Carpenter said.

The City has secured funding through the Australian Government’s Building Better Regional Cities (BBRC) program and the Mid West Investment Plan (Royalties for Regions), allowing

the Karloo-Wandina project to progress with the construction of critical infrastructure needed to develop the area for provision of affordable housing lots.

The Verita Rd project will be completed in two stages:

Stage 1: Asia Iron Extension Hill Magnetite project starts bulk earth works for future road; start April 2013; end June 2013

Stage 2: Council begins construction of the first carriageway of an ultimate dual carriageway with joint funding from Royalties for Regions; BBRC; and the City of Greater Geraldton.

“It is refreshing to encounter such an innovative approach to solving a complex issue to achieve significant savings and benefits to both parties,” said Mr MacKenzie.