Oakajee gets the thumbs up from the Japanese, Woodhams
Author: Grant Woodhams
Published on: 21-April-2010
Member for Moore and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Grant Woodhams has just returned from Japan after leading a four member parliamentary delegation on a visit to Western Australia’s sister state Hyogo.
Woodhams said that one of the most commonly asked questions was about the future of the port of Oakajee and the development of the iron ore resources of the Mid West.
“When I told the Japanese that I had been to Oakajee on numerous occasions, and also to many of the Mid West mine sites and that I knew the proposed route of the railway to the port they were amazed. They didn’t expect the level of expertise or information that I was able to provide.” said Woodhams.
Woodhams said the visit had three major objectives. The first was to reassure the Japanese of the importance of their relationship with Western Australia. The second was to meet with major trading partners of WA and discuss the situation in the Mid West. The third was to educate WA parliamentarians as to the nature of doing business with Japan.
“The Mid West of Western Australia is now a major priority for the Japanese. They were particularly interested in how Oakajee was progressing and how the infrastructure would be developed. They were incredibly excited to find out that Oakajee was in my electorate and that I knew the history of all that had happened there.” Said Woodhams
Woodhams and his parliamentary colleagues met with some of Japan’s major businesses including Toyota, Mitusbishi, Mitsui, JFE Steel and the Tokyo Gas and Electric Company. They also met with State and National government representatives.
“We have a strong trading and business history that goes back to the 1960’s which is important to maintain. The Japanese we met look forward to meeting with delegations like ours. We had many discussions about a range of resources especially LNG and iron ore.”
Next year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the sister state relationship between Western Australia and Hyogo. To celebrate the relationship several major functions are being planned in WA in 2011.
“I have invited the Speaker of the Hyogo Assembly to WA next year. He told he had a fondness for WA wines, and I told him we have some strong reds in the Mid West. I’m looking forward to getting him into the best part of WA!” Woodhams concluded.
For more information please contact Grant Woodhams on 08 99214818.
