Important and sustainable jobs in the Ningaloo Region could be put at risk if the State Government ignores the advice of four of its own agencies and approves a large-scale salt mine, according to Independent Liberal Member of Parliament, Dr Janet Woollard MLA.

Exmouth is well known as the gateway to the Ningaloo Region and the iconic Ningaloo Reef. It has grown to become the base for many hundreds of sustainable jobs in industries such as tourism, fishing and aquaculture. These industries are the backbone of the Ningaloo economy, with at least 130 tourism businesses servicing over 125,000 visitors a year, and fishing and aquaculture directly employing at least 110 people.

However Independent Liberal MLA, Dr Janet Woollard, today expressed concern that the Government might be about to place these jobs and the iconic fragile environment upon which they depend, at risk.

“In July the State’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) unequivocally advised against proceeding with a massive salt mine proposed for eastern Exmouth Gulf. Three other government agencies, Tourism, Fisheries and Mines, effectively backed this advice. However I am concerned that the Premier could now ignore these recommendations, as well as the grave concerns of the fishing and tourism industries, by allowing this proposal to go ahead.”

The EPA dismissed the proposal for a massive salt mine as it found it would impact on mangrove ecosystems that provide a critical breeding ground for the Exmouth prawn fishery. The proponents were also unable to explain how they would dispose of millions of cubic metres of toxic brine generated every year. If released into the gulf, this highly concentrated saline solution could have devastating impacts on marine life in the Gulf. Consequently the region’s long established fishing industry has claimed it would be severely affected, and tourism businesses are concerned for the region’s and State’s tourism reputation.

“Clearly the promise of 75 long-term jobs in this salt project is outweighed by the need to maintain the hundreds of jobs that exist in existing enterprises,” said Dr Woollard. “At a time of global financial crisis when people are concerned about job security, the Government needs to reassure the State sooner rather than later by announcing that this salt mine will not proceed.

“I call on the State Government to uphold the advice of the EPA, reject this proposal, and preserve the jobs and economy of the Ningaloo Region.”

Further comment:

Dr Janet Woollard MLA – 0419 907 999 or 0408 975 214

Axel Passeck – Exmouth Best Western Seabreeze Resort - 9949 1800

Stephen Hood - Exmouth Fish Co. - 9239 9304

George Voysey - EX Factor Fishing - 9949 1800