In late 2008 Oakajee Port and Rail Pty Ltd had been selected as the preferred developer of a deep water port, which would enable a major step forward for the Mid-West’s iron ore sector.
West coast mining companies stand to be big winners from $22 billion of infrastructure spending contained in the federal government’s 2009/10 budget, with the Oakajee deepwater port to receive $339 million.
Treasurer Wayne Swan told parliament on Tuesday the centrepiece of his second budget was its investment in infrastructure, the biggest since the Snowy Mountains Scheme in the 1970s.
The Minister said the Government would retain ownership of the port, which would be managed by the Geraldton Port Authority.
“Although the infrastructure provider will develop common-use infrastructure such as the breakwater, channel and turning basins, these will be transferred to the ownership of the Geraldton Port Authority upon completion,” she said.
“There will also be third party access to private use infrastructure such as berths and loading equipment on fair and equitable terms, and on a commercial basis.”
Companies Who would probably benefit from the oakajee Budget decision
Murchison Metals (MMX.AU),
Gindalbie metals
Midwest Corporation Ltd
Hudson Resources
