Crook gets on board for What’s Down the Track

Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 27-October-2011

Nationals WA Member for O’Connor Tony Crook MP today attended What’s Down the Track - an industry forum looking at upcoming projects and challenges in the Goldfields-Esperance region.

The forum was facilitated by the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy, and the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission.

Mr Crook said the event highlighted some of the key opportunities and issues for industry groups in regional Western Australia.

“What’s Down the Track is always a very interesting forum, and I was pleased to see a strong turn out as we look towards our region’s future,” Mr Crook said.

“The people who attend this forum are the ‘doers’ of regional WA – and I will certainly be advocating the concerns raised at this forum when I return to Canberra next week.”

The Federal Government’s proposed Minerals Resource Rent Tax (Mining Tax) was a key discussion topic on today’s agenda.

“The resources industry was well represented at this forum, and they strongly reinforced the concerns I have about the impact the Mining Tax will have in this region, and across regional WA.”

Mr Crook said the removal of the Diesel Fuel Rebate as part of the Carbon Tax package was also raised.

“There is concern in the resources sector about the removal of this rebate. Small businesses and the resources sector will really be hit hard by this move.”

Newly appointed CEO of the Esperance Port, Shayne Flanagan, utilised the industry forum to discuss the future of the Port.

“Mr Flanagan highlighted that there are a number of challenges facing the Esperance Port,” Mr Crook said.

“The Esperance Port plays a very important role for many in the Goldfields – that was clearly recognised at the forum – and we all look forward to continuing our positive relationship with the Port.”

Mr Crook said the Esperance Port would play a major role in the PortLink project.

“The PortLink project is still firmly in the minds of community leaders in the Goldfields-Esperance region, and this forum only highlighted how important it will be to continue to support this project.”

Mr Crook said the forum served to reinforce his position in Canberra.

“Regional WA does not want to see a Mining Tax, and I will utilise my influential position on the Crossbench to ensure the voice of regional WA is heard in Canberra.”

See this article on the member's website