Hmm.like poking a stick at a snake, a really big snake.
Some news: Oakajee is in need of a 5mega watt gas fired power station and a desalination plant (not enough power or water)
Current proposal is only stage 1 of.....
who knows how many BILLION dollar stages, over 20+ years.
All based upon "potential", "possible", "expected" , "emerging" mining companies going ahead. Most on lands that don't have environmental approval or Aboriginal consent let alone water or power.
I don't know about you - but I'd like my tax dollars spent on something else with a little bit more evidence that it's actually going to benefit the people.
1. The mid west has LOW grade ore which needs refining (more money, more power needed)
2. Did you know that the state government has given the go ahead that if the land owners don't want the rail going though their property they don't have the choice?.
3. Did you know that what ore is proven has a life expectancy of only 15 or so years?. What then? Uranium?
I'm no maths guru, but if the federal government is expecting a return on their investment (which they are) and the private sector sure is expecting to make money after paying for it - I can't see where shipping dirty ore is going to come up with that sort of bank.
Will the ore companies who have reserves for 15 years and are wanting this project able to walk away when they are finished - you betcha, it belongs to the State Government as once it's built the proponents are going to graciously give it back and then re-lease it. They are doing this to use the Government laws to force the rail to go through private lands. It also gives them the out when they are done - they can walk away and leave it to.....the tax payer.
By then Colin Barnett will be long retired and grinning bigger than ever. Happy, rich and proud with a different Government in place that will take the blame for the short sightedness dressed up as "vision"
Chinese will be happy too. They will have all our valuable dirt.
Sleep well everyone, and when you get your paycheque and you see your tax portion - remember it's going to Gero.
