The Queensland Government has today called for Registrations of Interest from parties interested in helping the State Government assemble the information needed to develop the bauxite resources at Aurukun on the Cape York Peninsula.

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State Development & Innovation, Tony McGrady
deve...@cabinet.qld.gov.au
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21/10/04

Minister for State Development and Innovation Tony McGrady said this action represented a major step forward in the selection of an appropriate developer for the resource.

"This is a huge project and has the potential to bring significant economic, social and employment benefits to Aurukun and Queensland," Mr McGrady said.

"We will now be forming an Industry Reference Group to provide expert advice on any future development and ensure that the Project Brief is comprehensive and meets industry requirements."

He said the State Government would also be consulting with the traditional landowners when considering development issues.

On 13 October 2004 the Federal Court confirmed the native title rights to the Wik and Wik Way people's traditional land, which includes the Aurukun bauxite resource.

The representatives of the Traditional Owners and the Aurukun community have confirmed their in principle support for the development of the Aurukun resource and for the Government's investigation program.

"The State Government is committed to working with the traditional owners to ensure any future development provides sustainable economic and social benefits for the local community," Mr McGrady said.

He said the Government was currently negotiating an Agreement for Exploration and a Cultural Heritage Protocol for Exploration with representatives of the Traditional Owners in relation to the drilling work.

The Government's previous announcement on 13 July 2004 included a broad outline of a three stage competitive bid process comprising Registration of Interest, Expression of Interest, and Binding Bids.

He said with today's announcement of the Registration of Interest stage, the process now comprised of two major stages: firstly, the Government investigation to assemble a sufficient Project Brief (of which the Registration of Interest and Industry Reference Group will be key components) and secondly, the formal competitive process.

"We will be commencing the competitive stage as soon as the Project Brief is complete. This could be as early as April or May 2005."

Mr McGrady said the Government's objectives for the development of the Aurukun resource remained essentially unchanged, and included its development as a source of bauxite for a new alumina refinery in Queensland.

Parties interested in responding to the Registration of Interest for membership of the Industry Reference Group are encouraged to visit the special purpose website (www.aurukunproject.qld.gov.au).

Registrations of Interest are sought by 15 November 2004.

Media Contact: Dylan Moody (07) 3224 4600