Member for Roe Peter Rundle MLA has slammed the McGowan Labor Government for its failure to support the Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun communities as First Quantum Minerals’ Ravensthorpe Nickel Mine transitions in to care and maintenance.
Mr Rundle said it was disappointing no Ministers had visited Ravensthorpe or Hopetoun since FQM announced intentions to cease production at the mine earlier this month.
“Local communities and up to 500 workers who will be affected are still reeling from this announcement and are uncertain about what their future holds,” Mr Rundle said.
“I’ve visited both Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun and am speaking to residents almost every day to see how they’re coping with the impending mine closure.
“The McGowan Government has failed to make any sincere attempt to assure our communities that the Government will support them by fast-tracking job creating projects in the region.
“The Minister for Mines said a taskforce had been established to support displaced mine workers.
“However, this taskforce seems to exist entirely of government officers and doesn’t include any key stakeholders on the coalface of the issue such as the Shire of Ravensthorpe.”
Member for the Agricultural Region Hon Colin de Grussa MLC, who questioned the Premier’s lack of responsiveness to the situation in parliament today, said the Government provided no clarity around the situation.
“The McGowan Government went to the election committing to create jobs to support the State’s economy,” Mr de Grussa said.
“Instead, we’re seeing job losses in regional WA, with Labor failing to provide any support to these affected communities or commit to any major infrastructure projects in the region which would create much-needed jobs and stimulate the economy.
“They’re simply too focused on Metronet and their city-based projects to care about people living in regional WA. This is deplorable behaviour by a Government who claims their main focus is job creation.”
ENDS.
For media enquiries contact Tori Castledine – 9071 6555 or tori.castledine@mp.wa.gov.au
