March 6, 2003 - It has become apparent that the Burrup is proving too expensive for developers, due to the immense cost of infrastructure corridors and site works on some of the world's hardest granite
Last night in parliament Mr Chapple said; 'I commend the Liberal Leader, Hon Colin Barnett, again for calling for the development to go to Maitland. I offer him my support.'
'I believe the Opposition leader is honing in on the fact that only continued government subsidy is going to keep development alive on the Burrup'.
Recent studies of the two options at either the Burrup or Maitland prepared for the Shire of Roebourne have identified:
After nearly a decade of planning, Government has still not been able to resolve the problems of fitting pipelines for product and services within the narrow rocky valleys. The rocky terrain, the lack of flat land, the limits of space and cramped port conditions are major disincentives. The public wharf has barely more than 6m water depth on approach and there is inadequate space for services and jetties. It is very expensive for a proponent to establish on the Burrup . . .
The Greens WA, again call on the State Government to do a proper cost benefit analysis of the two sites to enable developers to establish their industries in the Karratha region at least cost to the State and themselves.
Dampier Nitrogen recently cited engineering and construction costs as being 'very high' and also identified a key issue as being proposed charges for common user infrastructure and utilities.
'It is totally inappropriate for the State Government to consider bailing out proponents now, just because the Government has chosen the wrong location', said Mr Chapple. 'Industry must go to Maitland.'
