Jonathon Forbes, SACOME Acting Chief Executive, said: "Our industry is almost solely focused in regional South Australia so we are particularly pleased with the Premier's announcement that the Labor Party will pay more attention to the regions.
"Our key election priorities focused on developing the regional infrastructure that will enable the mining and energy sector to develop and bring jobs and investment to the regions, and wherever possible, benefit the wider community.
"For example, the development of a multi-user cape size vessel port in SA's Spencer Gulf would mean that iron ore could be efficiently exported, but could also benefit grain growers as they could get their grain out cheaper," Forbes said.
"Our call for the development of a 275kv line down the Eyre Peninsula provides not only more efficient electricity supply for mining, but also benefits the community with more reliable supply and opportunities for a range of industries which means new investment and jobs for the region."
SACOME is also looking to the Labor Party to honour its commitment to a range of policies that is aimed at accelerating investment in exploration and investment in South Australia including:
- A new drill core reference library costing $32.2m
- A further $4m for the PACE program
- Deferring royalty payments for unconventional gas to attract investment
- Investing a further $4m for the Mining & Petroleum Centre of Excellence
- Sealing the Strzelecki track
- Providing $4m for the upgrading of the air strip at Innamincka
- Establishing a Regional Mining Infrastructure Taskforce with the aim of facilitating a port solution for bulk commodities within 3 years.
SACOME is also keen to meet with the Independent MP, Geoff Brock, who will be the new Regional Development and Councils Minister in the Labor government.
"We know that Geoff Brock is a tireless advocate for regional South Australia and we look forward to sitting down with him to hear his ideas and how the mining and oil & gas sectors can play their part in stimulating the economy and benefiting regional communities," Forbes said.
