Western Australia is moving beyond a boom into a period of sustained economic growth.

The approvals of massive projects such as Gorgon and Pluto and the visit to Perth in September by Chinese President Hu Jintao have seen the State take centre-stage in Asia and indeed, throughout the world, as a stable and reliable resources supplier.

WA continues to lead the way as Australia's number one resources investment destination with about $100 billion worth of projects either committed, under construction or under consideration in the State over the next few years.

In the past financial year the value of our resources outputs increased by 25 per cent to reach $53.4 billion. This figure has almost doubled in just three years.

This accounts for 88 per cent of the State's total merchandise exports and about a third of Australia's total exports.

Private new capital expenditure into WA has doubled from $10 billion in 2004/05 to $20 billion in 2006/07. This is an extraordinary increase and accounts for half the nation's growth in private capital investment over the period.

This level is now higher in aggregate terms than any other state in Australia, an incredible achievement given that WA is only the fourth most populous state.

In per capita terms, private new capital investment in Western Australia is now three times the Australian average and is at a level never seen before in the rest of the nation.

The Government also supports the resources industry by continuing to develop strong commercial relations with key partners such as China, Japan, Korea, India and the United States.

Amid this flurry of investment, the State Government must also ensure the needs and rights of the broader community are also protected and respected.

We have established bodies such as the Northern Development Taskforce to ensure the ongoing development of the Kimberley's abundant resources is carefully managed against the rights of the region's Indigenous people and their cultural heritage as well as the need to protect the unique environment.

Clearly, the potential for our State is enormous and the Government has reinvested cash surpluses into record levels of infrastructure spending to maximise and sustain economic growth.

This level of development also brings its own challenges, for example, while unemployment is at an historic low and our participation rate at an all-time high, skills shortages remain problematic for business and government alike.

But high levels of business confidence and record reinvestment in infrastructure have seen the Government’s "prudent financial management" noted and reflected in our Triple A credit rating.

The WA Resource Development Services Directory is a source of valuable information for individuals and organisations throughout the world. The directory highlights the extensive expertise and capabilities in our resources sector.

I congratulate the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia for, once again, producing such an important and helpful guide.

Eric Ripper MLA
Deputy Premier; Treasurer; Minister for State Development

Welcome to the 25th edition of the Western Australian Resource Development Services Directory Proudly produced by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCI).

The 2007 directory again brings you up-to-date, informative and concise profiles on the companies and organisations that subscribe to CCI's Resource and Energy Projects Service (REPS).

After another stellar year, the Western Australian resources sector continues to drive our economy and in turn generate further growth, opportunity and prosperity for industry.

We believe talk of the State's economic boom does not provide a true and accurate reflection of the State's prospects. With any boom comes the eventual bust, but that's not the case yet in WA. Rather, we are in the midst of a prolonged period of strong economic growth, which by all accounts will continue for another 20 to 30 years.

In these exciting and dynamic times, with growth in our State running at twice the national average, CCI's REPS directory attempts to further promote the capabilities of WA industry and generate more opportunities for local participation in resource, energy, infrastructure and defence projects.

Indeed, a number of challenges for development remain, including severe labour shortages, critical infrastructure, and the need for a clear, streamlined approach to the State's project approvals system.

CCI is working to address these challenges and will continue to liaise with its members to ensure that WA's full potential is realised.

The work of CCI's Industry Capability Network of Western Australia (ICNWA) is again highlighted in this latest directory. ICNWA has progressed its Global Supply Chain Access Service to help local suppliers secure lucrative supply contracts linked to the WA resources sector.

The past year has seen the release of CCI's discussion paper: Building Human Capital. In the 2007 directory, an excerpt from the report highlights the obstacles to ensuring Australia has a workforce that is capable of supporting the nation's continued economic success. The report emphasises the critical importance of implementing the appropriate policies to meet the increasing demands for labour in WA, and across the nation.

In a special editorial feature, Focus on Mid West, the 2007 directory showcases the exciting projects and initiatives being developed in the State's Mid West region. In the face of sustained high demand for WA's resources from the booming economies of China and India, the Mid West is well placed to become WA's next major iron ore province. Focus on Mid West seeks to provide a thorough overview of the major players in the region, projects underway, and the preparations being made for increased development.

I trust you will find the 2007 Western Australian Resource Development Services Directory an indispensable means to identify opportunities, and maximise participation for local industry in projects throughout this State and beyond.

Dr Penny Flett
President, CCIWA

Western Australia's Mid West region is one of two sites in the world identified as a possible location for what has been described as the most significant international science project of the 21st century.

Australia’s bid for the $1.8 billion Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio astronomy project, to be developed by 2020, would place Western Australia and the Mid West at the forefront of radio astronomy internationally.

The SKA project is earmarked to be established on the site of the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO), 315 kilometres north-east of Geraldton.

SKA is a new generation radio telescope that will be up to 100 times more sensitive than the best present-day instruments. Scientists will be able to probe previously unexplored parts of the universe with the SKA, giving astronomers incredible insights into the formation of the early universe, including the emergence of the first stars, galaxies and other structures.

A consortium of 17 countries sponsors the SKA project, including Australia, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.

Australia and South Africa were short listed in 2006 as contenders to host the SKA project. The final decision on its location will be made in 2012.

The WA State Government and the Federal Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together cooperatively to provide Australia with the best possible chance of securing the 50-year SKA project. They have formed the Australian SKA Coordination Committee to oversee and strengthen Australia's position.

The Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR) is the Western Australian Government's lead agency driving the project and developing radio astronomy in the West.

DoIR is undertaking a broad range of activities including the provision of funding and infrastructure, addressing issues associated with land tenure, Native Title and telecommunications, preserving radio quietness, and promoting the project locally, nationally and internationally.

The MRO site, which includes a 70 kilometre buffer zone, will enable the project to co-exist with mining activities in the region while maintaining the radio-quiet environment that is instrumental to the project’s success.

The potential site for the SKA project is also the location of the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) project. 'Pathfinder' is a smaller test bed version of the SKA project. It is 100 times smaller than the SKA telescope, and includes the new major radio astronomy array, "MIRA' which has two separate telescopes - MIRANdA and the Mileura Widefield Array (MWA).

MIRANdA is a $100 million-plus international partnership between Australia and Canada to build an array of 30 to 45 12m parabolic dishes capable of high dynamic range imaging.

The MWA is led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Haystack Observatory and has an estimated $1.5 million build cost. Collaboration between Australia and the USA will result in the development of a wide-field, low frequency dipole array.

Construction of the ASKAP project will be led by the CSIRO.

Building such a telescope will require vigorous technological developments in computing, communications and radio frequency devices.

Hosting the SKA in Australia will generate a range of regional benefits during its construction and operational phases.

Much of the initial $1.8 billion investment will be spent within WA and ongoing operational expenditures will aggregate over the life of the project to several times the capital cost.

The operational and ongoing maintenance of the SKA is expected to directly generate ongoing employment, much of this in the Mid West region. Tourism and spin-off industries will create further employment opportunities.

It is anticipated that Geraldton will host a high performance computer to process radio astronomy data, which will offer opportunities to grow a more diverse, regionally-based capability in high-end ICT services.

Research and development organisations working on the SKA-related research at a proposed computer centre or technology park may develop new technologies that could form the basis of new industries in the Mid West region.

The Department of Industry and Resources is working with the Australian SKA Industry Cluster to identify local companies interested in potential business opportunities related to the exciting radio astronomy developments underway in the region.

More than 200 businesses in Australia have registered interest in supplying SKA-related capabilities. There may also be opportunities for Mid West businesses to become involved in the supply of antenna design and construction services, sophisticated receivers and high-level IT services, through to the housing of control systems and the provision of power and maintenance.

The CSIRO, funded by the Commonwealth Government, has already commenced raising the profile of science and technology as a career for regional students, with the implementation of science education programs in Mid West schools. Further educational activities have been developed in WA by Scitech, supported by the State and Federal Governments, through development of the AstronomyWA initiative.

The SKA bid is an unprecedented opportunity for Australia to be involved in the world's largest radio astronomy project. Whether or not Australia wins the bid for the international SKA project, the Mid West region will be involved in an exciting, groundbreaking opportunity through establishment of the smaller Pathfinder project.

The pathfinder project is scheduled to begin in 2009 and be completed by 2011-2012, when the successful location for the international SKA project is due to be announced.

For more information about the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project go to www.ska.gov.au

Geraldton is the capital and port city for Western Australia’s Mid West, a region of some 616,000 square kilometres, occupying a fifth of the State.

The Mid West is a valuable contributor to the national economy with a strong resource base of agriculture, mining, fishing and tourism.

Geraldton is primarily an export port, with exports making?up over 90 per cent of the total volume throughput of the port.

The Geraldton Port is one of Australia's busiest regional ports and the gateway to Western Australia’s diverse Mid West region. Situated 424km north of Perth, the port is Australia’s second largest grain export Port and today, more than half the port's exports are generated from minerals and iron ore.

In 2006/07, despite one of the lowest grain harvests on record, the Geraldton Port recorded trade of 6.4 million tonnes, on the back of doubling the iron ore trade. Trade through the port has grown by almost 160 per cent since 2002/03.

In 2003 the port undertook a $104 million dollar Port Enhancement Project (PEP), which deepened the access channel of the port and inner harbour to accommodate Panamax size vessels with a length of up to 225 metres long. The Panamax vessel size is the vessel of choice for the port’s grain and iron ore customers. The PEP was the first in a three stage process to upgrade the port for expansion.

In late 2007, the Geraldton Port completed an expansion project to upgrade berth 5 to a new, dedicated iron ore facility. This dedicated iron ore berth, includes a newly designed and constructed ship loader, with a loading capacity of 5000tphr. The 604 tonne loader, which will quadruple the port’s iron ore export capacity, is fed from fully enclosed conveyors, making it a significant step up in environmental controls for dust minimisation.

Other expansion programs are in the pipeline for the Geraldton Port, as it moves to cater for an increase in exporter requirements brought on by the continued resources boom in Western Australia.

GPA is now looking towards an upgrade of the existing train unloader, carryout modifications to the internal rail network, and modification to conveyors and services. This upgrade will give the port a rate of discharge and reliability, which the existing 1960s infrastructure can not offer.

The Port of Oakajee will be operated as an outer harbour of the Geraldton Port Authority, and consequently planning for the provision of marine, landlord and development services is underway.

Planning at the Geraldton Port is focused on providing the community an economic dividend in a manner that ensures the social amenity of the community, and preserves the local environment. Community safety is a top priority for Geraldton Port, and the port recognises community confidence in port operations is crucial.

To this end, Geraldton Port at all times operates within, and complies with its environmental licence conditions, meeting those requirements by developing management systems to internationally accredited standards.

The port currently operates five berths under the following usage guidelines:

Berth No 2 (Multi-purpose usage)

• multi-purpose usage - navel, passenger, non-commercial and commercial usage
• lay-by to undertake grain surveys or cargo hold preparation
• lay-by of vessels awaiting tide or weather

Berth No 3 (Bulk Grain)

• primarily a bulk grain export berth

Berth No 4 (Bulk Minerals)

• primarily a bulk minerals export berth

Berth No 5 (Iron Ore - commercial operating December?2007)

• primarily a bulk iron ore export berth

Berth No 6 (Multi-purpose, Fuel and Bulk Minerals)

• fuel tanker discharge
• specialist operations requiring use of the heavy load-out area
• fertiliser and livestock vessels
• talc, garnet and zircon

The GPA is facilitating growth for the Mid West region, encouraging trade facilitation by being a profitable, cost effective and efficient logistics provider through the use of existing and new infrastructure.

The world demand for commodities and mineral resources is fuelling strong economic activity across much of Western Australia's Mid West region, but there is much more to this unique area.

With its diversity of natural beauty, cultural history and renowned resources, the Mid West really is a region on the move.

The Mid West Region

The Mid West extends from Kalbarri to the north, Greenhead to the south and to Wiluna in the east. The region covers around 470,000km and is home to 50,000 people. Located just over 400km north of Perth, the newly amalgamated City of Geraldton-Greenough accounts for 35,000 of those residents.

The Mid West Development Commission

The Mid West Development Commission is a statutory authority, which aims to enhance the socio-economic development of the Mid West region. It does this by:

• facilitating investment
• promoting infrastructure development
• facilitating opportunities for local business
• developing export opportunities
• improving the level of government services
• providing information and advice

Mining in the Mid West

The resource-rich Mid West is a region which has long been a major source of mineral products, beginning with lead mining in Northampton in the 1850s, the Murchison gold rushes of the 1890s, and now the current focus on the Mid West as one of the most diverse mineral provinces in Western Australia, and possibly all of Australia.

In 2006/07 there were a total of 25 mining operations in the Mid West, contributing around $3 billion to the Gross Regional Product of the Mid West. The abundant range of resources includes nickel, gold, oil and gas, mineral sands, copper and zinc concentrates, talc, garnet, and iron ore. 

There are currently more than 21 additional projects at varying levels of progress, including iron ore, vanadium and gold.

Iron Ore

World demand for iron ore, driven largely by the dynamic growth of China (soon to be followed by India), has seen unprecedented interest in the region’s extensive iron ore deposits. Currently there are 14 separate iron ore projects in the region being progressed by seven companies.

Three iron ore companies are currently exporting iron ore through the Geraldton Port: Mt Gibson Iron (Tallering Peak), Murchison Metals (Jack Hills) and Midwest Corporation (Koolanooka).

According to the plans of proponents, the Mid West could be exporting around 87 million tonnes per annum of iron products out of either Geraldton or the new deepwater port at Oakajee by 2015.

Infrastructure

A key to the development of the iron ore industry is the timely development of strategic infrastructure including the:

• deepwater port at Oakajee;
• Oakajee Industrial Estate;'
• utilities - power capacity and transmission capability and water/slurry pipelines, and;
• heavy gauge railway linking hematite projects to the North East (of Geraldton), magnetite projects to the South East, and the industrial estates of Narngulu and Oakajee with the ports of Geraldton and Oakajee.

Planning and Coordination

The Mid West Development Commission, with support from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, established the Mid West Strategic Infrastructure Group in mid 2005 to facilitate the timely development of strategic infrastructure as well as advise the State Government on major planning and coordination issues. A Ministerial Committee oversees the development of the iron ore industry in the Mid West supported by an Oakajee Project Team and an Oakajee Reference Group.

Business and community opportunities

A key objective of the MWDC is to minimise the impacts of major projects through appropriate planning and coordination as well as to maximise the opportunities for businesses and the broader community.

To facilitate local business participation in major projects, the Commission prepares the Mid West Major Projects Update (updated three times a year). This can be sourced via the Commission's website at: www.mwdc.wa.gov.au

The Commission has developed and maintains a Business Capability and Services Directory. This comprises a brief outline of business capability in major projects and has proven invaluable in raising awareness amongst project proponents and contractors of the capability of Mid West businesses.
This can be sourced at: www.mwdc.wa.gov.au

The resources boom provides a unique opportunity to provide education, training and employment opportunities for Indigenous people and those who have been unable to participate in the current good times. Capturing this opportunity will benefit Indigenous communities as well as resource proponents who are struggling to meet their skilled worker needs.

Not just resources

The Mid West is not just about resources. The Mid West Development Commission's SMART Mid West philosophy is helping to establish Geraldton-Greenough as a learning centre and innovation hub. Apart from a broad range of public and private schools and an award winning TAFE, the city is also home to the Geraldton Universities Centre and the world class Separation Point Marine Precinct.

Most exciting is the establishment of the Murchison Radio-Astronomy Observatory, which will become the focus of radio-astronomy in Australia and underpin the nation’s bid for the $2 billion international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio-astronomy project. This facility will provide fantastic regional development opportunities including the attraction of major ICT industry to the region.

The quality lifestyle offered by Geraldton and the broader Mid West is why, when people come to Geraldton, they often stay to raise families. This has attracted a number of fly-in fly-out operations to be based out of Geraldton.

In addition, with significant state funding support, the Geraldton Foreshore project and ongoing development of the Batavia Coast Marina are helping to transform Geraldton into a vibrant and dynamic city.

Other regional attractions easily accessible from Geraldton along the coast include the Abrolhos Islands, Dongara and Kalbarri. Geraldton is also a starting point to take in the attractions of the Murchison rangelands, encompassing Mullewa, Yalgoo, Meekatharra, Cue, Mount Magnet and beyond.

With so many reasons to live, work, study and invest, the Mid West really is a region on the move.

This information is current as at 5 December 2007. Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) has taken all reasonable care in preparing this information. However, it is provided as a guide only.

CCI does not accept liability for any claim which may arise from any person acting, or refraining from acting on this information. Reproduction of any material is not permitted without written authorisation by CCI's Director Industry Policy. © Copyright CCI. All rights reserved. For more information phone (08) 9365 7619, or email: reps@cciwa.com

The next REPS Major WA Projects List update will be released in June 2008.

Coolimba Power is a new name in the WA energy market, and one that will play a key role in powering the development of the Mid West region into the future.

The Coolimba Power Project, which was launched by Aviva Corporation in October 2007, is a $1 billion power station investment that will see the construction of a 400MW coal fired power station 20km south of Eneabba.

Coolimba will incorporate leading edge emissions technology and provide a competitive power solution for the State.

Coolimba Power will play a key role in unlocking the potential of the Mid West region. There is an estimated $6.5 billion worth of projects under development in the Mid West region - these projects all need power. The project will also provide fuel and geographic diversity to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) power grid.

Leading technology

The Project will be the first power station in Western Australia to deploy leading edge emissions technology for carbon capture, desulfurization and air cooling.

• The carbon capture technology will allow for up to 90 per cent of future carbon emissions to be captured. Coolimba is the next logical scale up increment of this technology which is being deployed in Queensland and Canada. 
• The desulfurization technology will eliminate almost all sulphur emissions. 
• The air cooling technology will reduce water consumption in the power plant by up to 90 per cent.

Cost-effective baseload Power

As the only base load power station north of Perth, the project will make a significant contribution to the reduction of power transmission losses in the Mid West, which are currently the highest in the State.

The power station will be fuelled by a large coal deposit that lies within the project area, and contains more than 150 million tonnes of coal. This deposit was discovered in the 1960s and was extensively drilled in the early 80s. At the time, limited power demand and the emergence of gas as a core fuel meant that the deposit was not then required, however, demand has changed dramatically in recent years.

Power demand is accelerating and the global demand for gas restricts the fuel options for power generation in WA in the medium term.

Coolimba Power will contribute 8 per cent of the installed capacity in the SWIS network and will add much needed fuel and geographical diversity. The project will have an operating life of 30 years and commence commercial operation in 2012.

The project is located on private farmland and an existing mining lease, most of which has been previously cleared for farming or mining. The mining method adopted will allow 95 per cent of the mining void to be backfilled and revegetated.

Community benefits

As well as reliable and competitive power, the project is likely to provide a further boost to economic development in the Mid West region. Coolimba is expected to generate at least 600 jobs during construction, and create 100 permanent jobs for locally-housed employees when commercial operation commences in 2012.

The project name is derived from the coastal region west of Eneabba, which is known as the Coolimba coast. Coolimba is an Aboriginal word which is said to mean "place by water".

For more information contact Aviva Corporation on (08)9367 2344 or visit www.coolimbapower.com.au

Gindalbie Metals has set its sights on developing a diversified, strategic iron ore portfolio in the Mid West region of Western Australia as the basis for a long-term business that will deliver high-quality iron products to global markets for many decades to come.

The Perth based company has taken significant steps towards realising this vision through the completion of a Feasibility Study on its flagship Karara Iron Ore Project, located approximately 225km south-east of Geraldton.

In September 2007, Gindalbie signed the Karara Development Joint Venture Agreement with major Chinese steel maker Anshan Iron and Steel Group Corporation (AnSteel), in the presence of the President of The People's Republic of China and Australia's Prime Minister during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Sydney.

This represented the culmination of 18 months of feasibility activity as part of its 50:50 Joint Venture with Ansteel, symbolising a major step towards full-scale development of the two production ventures which make up the integrated Karara Iron Ore Project - the Karara Magnetite Project and the neighbouring Mungada Hematite Project.

Financing of the Karara project and Public Environmental Review process is underway. The project has been carefully designed not only to support and sustain local environments, but also to form a long term partnership offering economic and social benefits to communities in the Mid West and the Province of Liaoning in north-east China, where the pellet plant component of the Karara project will be located.

Investment in new mining and processing facilities and associated infrastructure is expected to total $1.8 billion for the combined projects. This is in addition to the direct employment and business opportunities which will be created throughout the development and operational phases.

AnSteel’s 12.78 per cent shareholding in Gindalbie, following the completion of an A$39 million share placement earlier this year, underpins the strength of the Karara Joint Venture and its projects. The Australian Federal Government has also demonstrated its appreciation of the scale and significance of the Karara project, awarding it Major Project Facilitation (MPF) status in 2006.

Karara Magnetite Project

The development of the substantial Karara Magnetite Project will bring significant economic and social benefits to the Mid West region, including employment and additional infrastructure and support services opportunities.

Karara will host mining operations for the magnetite iron ore project and is the designated site for a processing plant that will produce high-grade magnetite concentrate.

The unique characteristics of the Karara magnetite deposit include a low level of impurities, the consistency of the orebody and an exceptionally low waste:ore stripping ratio, underpinning cost-competitive mining and processing.

High-grade magnetite concentrate (68.2 per cent iron) will be railed initially to the Port of Geraldton, for export to Yingkou in north-east China, where it will be fed into a 4Mtpa joint venture facility, to produce blast-furnace quality iron pellets. The balance of the concentrate shipped will be purchased directly by AnSteel for its sintering operations.

The interim 1.43 billion tonne Karara magnetite resource, which includes an initial ore reserve measuring 497 million tonnes of 36.3 per cent iron, will support an operation likely to extend over several decades.

Drilling is continuing with the support of AnSteel which is keen to expand production beyond the initial estimated 8Mtpa of concentrate, to support the steel mill's future expansion.

Gindalbie and its Joint Venture partner AnSteel remain on schedule to commence producing both concentrate and pellets in 2010.

Mungada Hematite Project

The Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) underwriting the go-ahead for the $94 million development of the Mungada Hematite Project was based on an initial 3Mtpa DSO operation for six years.

However, Gindalbie anticipates substantially increasing the project's initial hematite resource of 14.3 million tonnes grading 61.5 per cent iron, with the objective of lifting production to 6-8Mtpa in the medium term.

Production is scheduled to commence in 2009 at an initial rate of 2Mtpa. All ore will be exported to China, initially via the Port of Geraldton.

Infrastructure Negotiations

Mid West rail and shipping services, initially centred on the Port of Geraldton, will support the export of Karara Joint Venture products to north-east China.

However, with substantial expansion plans gathering momentum - not only for the Karara Joint Venture, but also for other iron ore developments in the Mid West minerals province - Gindalbie believes that further development of infrastructure networks within the region is the key to the growth of the regional economy.

The substantial size of the Karara magnetite resource and the potential for it to be further significantly expanded with future exploration, underpins a long-life operation with the ability to lock in competitive long-term (15 year plus) contracts for the supply of key services, infrastructure and financing.

This represents a significant advantage in the current highly competitive environment in the mining industry in Western Australia.

Gindalbie has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Port of Geraldton, infrastructure development groupYilgarn Infrastructure Limited, and key local service provider WestNet Rail.

The MoUs are designed to secure rail services, berth space and ship loading facilities sufficient to accommodate Gindalbie’s initial production, transportation and shipping plans. They also ensure a seat at the table during negotiations towards the development of additional infrastructure and transport services required to support longer term mineral production plans across the Mid West.

The decision to use rail as the preferred product transport mode in the BFS offers a fully scalable transport solution with only incremental capital required to implement future expansions of the project.

The proposed upgrade of the Mid West rail network provides the project with an ore transport system capacity of 30Mtpa. However, the use of a slurry pipeline remains an option while final negotiations on rail transport are concluded.

Lodestone Project

While the development of the Karara Project continues to form a major focus for Gindalbie, it does not represent the full scope of the company's growth strategy.

Gindalbie considers regional exploration of the company's 1,900sqkm of wholly-owned tenure a key component of its long-term growth strategy.

The Lodestone Project, located 50km south east of Karara, was identified during 2006-07. Confirmation of a large Banded Iron Formation (BIF) approximately 6km long and 500m wide, suggest the project could host a magnetite deposit similar in scale and tonnage to the Karara magnetite deposit.

Gindalbie is also drilling to determine the degree of prospectivity for hematite mineralisation within the Lodestone area. The company is confident the potential is high, considering geological associations and close proximity to the Mount Gibson Extension Hill and Iron Hill prospects, located 10km south.

For more information contact Gindalbie Metals on (08) 9480 8700 or visit www.gindalbie.com.au

Eneabba Gas is focused on the development of the 168MW gas-fired Centauri 1 Power Station on company-owned land, about eight kilometres east of Dongara, in WA's Mid West.

Eneabba Gas proposes to market power from Centauri 1 to the Mid West region, which is currently facing power shortages to support its increasing growth.

The company has advanced from being solely focused on feasibly studies, to having secured all the requisite planning and regulatory approvals needed to move ahead with construction of the Centauri 1 power station.

In September 2006, Eneabba made a final land purchase some eight kilometres east of Dongara which now makes up the approved 'power station precinct'. The total land area is 1,878.6 Ha (4644 acres), with the Brand Highway at the western boundary, the Midlands Road at the northern boundary, and the APT Parmelia pipeline some 120 metres from the fence line of the Centauri 1 power station site.

The company announced the signing of its gas supply agreements and Memorandum of Understanding with Verve Energy in October 2006. The agreements provided the acquisition of gas from North West Shelf Gas Pty Ltd (NWSV) for the first stage of the Centauri 1 power station, and the transport and storage of gas through the APT Parmelia gas pipeline and storage facilities.

Wholly owned subsidiary, Eneabba Energy Pty Ltd (EEPL) is currently the only holder of a new ERA generation licence in the Mid West region of Western Australia, which enables the company to supply electricity in the additional volumes required to service the infrastructure.

With the limited capabilities for new energy generation in the Mid West region contrasted by the number of resources projects planned in the coming years, Eneabba Gas is confident project developers will soon make firm commitments to projects in the region, boosting the company's plans for the development and production of electricity from the Centauri 1 power station.

In May 2007, the company entered into a gas storage and transportation agreement with APT Parmelia Pty Ltd for the provision of services on the Parmelia pipeline and the Mondarra Gas Storage Facility. The arrangement came after the EEPL announcement that it had purchased gas to secure the Centauri 1 power station's stage-one fuel supply and start-up fuel load. With the APT Parmelia pipeline being some 120 metres from the fence line of the Centauri 1 power station site, the deal was opportune for EEPL without further expenditure.

Transmission of power

In keeping with the provision of high quality energy supply and service to its off-takers, EEPL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited (KPTL). KPTL is working with Worley Parsons Power Group (Perth) for the design, supply and installation of transmission from Centauri 1 to customer sites, with KPTL's focus being on the supply and installation of transmission lines and associated equipment.

The cooperative agreement by local area network is expected to bring a low cost, private and secure transmission delivery system for Centauri 1’s customer base.

Exploration

Eneabba Gas began its preliminary investigation into its coal tenements in November 2006. Initial results of the cores have been presented to the company.

The initial core drilling was undertaken to log the target coal?seams and provide additional information of seams and seam thickness to quantify and reference the existing benchmark holes and proceed to the next stage of detailed drilling of the coal.

Corporate

Eneabba Gas operates wholly-owned subsidiaries for each of its investments:

• Eneabba Energy Pty Ltd (EEPL) owns the land eight kilometres east of Dongara, requested as the Independent Market Operator (IMO) proponent within the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) contracts for building of the power station. MoU with Verve Energy, KPTL and off-takers;
  
  
• Eneabba Mining Pty Ltd (EMPL) owns the 10 exploration tenements, operates exploration for coal and potential Coal Seam Methane;
  
  
• Eneabba Holdings Pty Ltd (EHPL) oversees exploration under the Mining Act for minerals; Uranium, Thorium, Potassium and mineral sands, and;
  
  
• Eneabba Power Pty Ltd (EPPL), the future retailer of power from Centauri 1 Power Station.

Environment

EEPL reached an agreement with the Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Authority in May 2007, to establish a conservation area around the power station site (Memorial K 212826). This area of some 1,212.7 Hectares (approx 3,000 acres) will be preserved to protect areas of native vegetation and remnant bush.

The company is also reviewing all other measures available to ensure the Centauri 1 site and its power station can become a 'carbon neutral' development site. Eneabba intends to ensure that opportunities and initiatives, such as the area of land on site, can be placed on the Australian Greenhouse Gas Office register.

While the Centauri 1 power station is Eneabba Gas' central project, the management of the other assets and their future value presents a challenge for the company. Eneabba has it sights on unlocking the intrinsic value of these assets to maximise their worth for shareholders. The exact nature of this process, through an in-house spin-off, a new company structure, or an outright sale, will be aimed at increasing value and returns to shareholders.

Eneabba Gas is now in a strong position to evolve over the coming years into the newest, independent power producer in Western Australia.

Murchison Metals Limited has a 50 per cent stake in Crosslands Resources Ltd; owner of the Jack Hills iron ore project located in the Mid West region of Western Australia.

The remaining 50 per cent of Crosslands is held by Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd (Mitsubishi), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation - Japan’s largest general trading company.

Murchison also has a 50 per cent economic interest in a new independent infrastructure business; Oakajee Port and Rail (OP+R). OP+R is seeking to be awarded the right to construct new port and rail infrastructure to service miners (including Crosslands) and other potential customers in the Mid West region of WA. The remaining 50 per cent economic interest in OP+R is held by Mitsubishi.

The Jack Hills Project

The Jack Hills iron ore project is located approximately 380km north-east of Geraldton.

The current JORC standard mineral resource at the Jack Hills Project is 97 million tonnes, made up of 50.5 million tonnes of direct shipping ore at 60.7 per cent iron and 46.5 million tonnes of beneficiation feed at 42.6 per cent iron. The area of the mineral resource reported represents approximately 20 per cent of the total strike length to be drilled under a resource definition drilling program which is currently in progress.

Crosslands is employing a two-stage strategy to develop its Jack Hills Project.

Stage 1 involves a five year mine plan using contract mining, crushing and screening. Iron ore is transported to Geraldton by contract road haulage to ore storage and transfer facilities at the Port of Geraldton, ahead of shipment to customers.

Mining and exports have begun, with targeted production of approximately 1.5Mtpa expected to increase to 2Mtpa from 2008. Crosslands has secured sales contracts for 95 per cent of planned annual Stage 1 production.

Stage 2 of the Jack Hills Project is targeting an expansion of annual production capacity to 25Mtpa.

The West Australian Government's review into balancing mining and the environment in the Mid West region has shown a favourable predisposition to mining at the Jack Hills Project, with the project tenements falling outside areas of high environmental sensitivity.

The Government's report provided further clarity and certainty on the process for securing the remaining environmental approvals for the Jack Hills Stage 2 project.

Oakajee Port and Rail (OP+R)

OP+R is seeking the right to design, develop, construct and operate new rail and port infrastructure to transport expanded production from mines in the mid-west region (including the Jack Hills Project and the Weld Range Project) to a new deepwater port to be built at Oakajee.

OP+R was established to work independently of Crosslands. Following completion of the transitional arrangements as part of the handover by Murchison and Crosslands, it is intended that OP+R will be independently operated on a commercial basis so as to promote open access to all users. OP+R appointed its founding CEO Chris Eves, in late 2007.

OP+R is nearing completion of a comprehensive technical and financial infrastructure development proposal to be presented to the Western Australian Government.

OP+R’s infrastructure development feasibility studies for the Mid West region encompass all aspects of the development; including environmental, Aboriginal heritage and economic aspects.

In addition to supporting Crosslands and OP+R, Murchison is investigating new business opportunities within the bulk mineral commodities sector.

Murchison has a strong, experienced and energetic hands-on management team which will continue to support both Crosslands and OP+R to become, respectively, a leading iron ore producer and infrastructure business.

Murchison is entering an exciting time in its history and expects the financial year ahead to be its most fulfilling to date.

Trevor Lovelle, CCI Director Industry Policy

In the current economic cycle which is delivering unprecedented growth and opportunities for the State, WA cannot afford an inefficient approvals process that delays development and limits opportunities.

The Review of the Project Development Approvals System 2002 (the Keating Review) has underpinned the Government’s revamp of development approvals for industrial and resource development projects.

This issue takes on critical importance as WA transitions into a sustained period of economic growth. According to Access Economics, as at March 2007, there was in total $138.8 billion of investment projects in WA comprising $31.6 billion dollars worth of projects under construction, $2.2 billion dollars committed for projects, $68.7 billion dollars worth under consideration, and $36.3 billion of possible projects for investment.

These statistics clearly demonstrate the need for WA to have in place an efficient, and cost-effective approvals process to support and sustain the further development of industry. Subsequent reform must focus on reducing overlap and duplication and increasing transparency and accountability.

Canada's Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2006/2007 ranked 65 jurisdictions according to attractiveness of their mining related policies. WA was ranked 18th in this survey, down from 11th the previous year when we were also the best ranked Australian state. Significantly, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland all ranked above WA to be in the top ten globally.

The survey also considered each jurisdictions' mineral potential, assuming all their policies are based on 'best practice', and ranked WA fourth. This result, plotted against the ranking of our attractiveness of mining-related policies, suggests that WA is in urgent need of reform of current approvals processes.

The Government's response to the Keating Review has been to establish the Integrated Project Approvals System (IPAS) in 2004, to support agency level implementation of reforms. The Office of Development Approvals Coordination (ODAC) was established in January 2006. ODAC resides in the Department of Premier and Cabinet and is mandated with coordinating the whole of government project scoping activities and approvals.

CCI supported the establishment of the Office, however it remains to be seen whether the mandate under which ODAC operates will facilitate streamlining of major project approvals in WA. The current ODAC mapping project sets out the process for proponents seeking to obtain approvals, but is not concerned with identifying duplications and overlaps when a proponent undertakes the regulatory approval process.

CCI believes that in order to improve ODAC's function, the Office must also undertake mapping of regulatory approvals for WA to identify duplications and overlaps which exist in the current process.

The Water Corporation serves almost two million people across Western Australia, providing water and wastewater services, in addition to managing water supply catchments, drainage and irrigation networks.

Of the Corporation’s six operating regions, the Mid West is one of the most challenging. The Mid West region requires a careful balance between the interests of the growing population, industry, and the basic water needs of communities along the coast and as far inland as Wiluna - in?areas where local water supplies are a scarce resource.

The Corporation provides essential services to the Mid West's 75,000 residents, operating 58 water supply catchments and 17 wastewater systems.

The Water Corporation's strategies to stay ahead of the Mid West's growth, the drying climate, and changing consumer expectations has come together under the Security through Diversity program. This program incorporates new and existing water sources in addition to a strong demand management focus, supported by the Waterwise Schools education program and the State Government's permanent water saving measures.

Expanded in 2007, permanent water saving measures now apply, in some form, to all areas of the State. In the Mid West, the measures require households to water on a maximum of two days per week and include water management plans for businesses, councils and schools.

Organisations including the City of Geraldton-Greenough, the Geraldton Golf and Turf Club, and similar organisations in Kalbarri, Carnarvon and Exmouth use recycled water on their grassed and vegetated areas, contributing to a significant water saving.

The Water Corporation is also working with other large water users in the region to identify potential water reductions and opportunities for wastewater re-use and recycling. These demand management measures will soften the impact of growth in the burgeoning Mid West region now and in years?to come.

The Geraldton to Northampton pipeline is the Corporation's most significant recent project in the Mid West.

The construction of the $12 million, 43 km pipeline, which follows the Northwest Coastal Highway, began in July 2006 and includes a booster pump station 15 km out of Geraldton.

The pipeline provides a stable and reliable water supply for Northampton residents and local farmers along its route. Ongoing consultation with the Shire and key stakeholders has created a collaborative environment to achieve construction within a relatively short timeframe. Projects of this type usually require three to four years to complete but the pipeline was built with a construction timeframe of less than twelve months.

A highlight of the project was the significant Indigenous and community engagement involved. Key stakeholders were part of the decision making processes from the drafting stages, through to the construction process and project completion. The Water Corporation views Indigenous and community engagement as a critical element to its long term success.

The Narngulu Wastewater Treatment Plant will be commissioned in July 2008 and will process 2.5 million litres of water per day to service the increased population in Geraldton. It will operate in conjunction with the existing wastewater treatment plants at Wonthella and Glenfield.

Other important projects in the region include:

• a new tank, pressure and pump station, and chlorine dosing facility to be commissioned in Morawa in 2008; 
• the Willcock Drive Wastewater Pump Station upgrade at Mahomets Flats in Geraldton, also to be completed in 2008 - the upgrade will accommodate increased water flows from the Infill Sewerage Program and the continued growth in Geraldton, and; 
• the Wiluna Wastewater Treatment Plant which has been upgraded for public health reasons and was re-located approximately five kilometres from the town site.

The Mid West region is leading the State in adoption of innovative practices to secure water supplies, commissioning the Yalgoo High Efficiency Reverse Osmosis Plant in late 2007. The Australian-designed and manufactured High Efficiency Reverse Osmosis plant was constructed following an intensive five-year program to find a method to improve the quality of water supplied to the Yalgoo community.

The plant removes nitrates from Yalgoo's water supply and recovers 95 per cent of the groundwater which passes through it, while producing minimal waste. For every litre of water produced, less than a quarter of a cup is lost as salty brine. A standard small desalination plant typically recovers only half of the water it processes.

The reverse-osmosis plant (currently the subject of an 18 month trial), is an adaptation of technology patented in the United States to provide ultra-pure water to the electronics industry. If the membrane technology used is successful, similar plants could be built in other Murchison towns to improve water quality.

The Water Corporation employs approximately 2,400 people across the State, with over 100 employees based in the Mid West. Increased infrastructure throughout the region has led to employment opportunities across many levels of administration.

The Corporation indirectly contributes to regional and local employment through its capital works program which has seen it partner with companies to deliver $850 million worth of infrastructure throughout the State in 2007-08.

Growth in the region is set to continue and the Water Corporation is confident it will meet the future needs of its customers and key stakeholders, leading the community to a more water conscious future through education and innovative infrastructure.

In order to provide for the unprecedented growth currently experienced in the Mid West region of Western Australia and to allow for future growth, Western Power has implemented a range of initiatives to grow and reinforce its electricity network.

Who is Western Power?

Western Power is responsible for the safe, reliable and efficient transmission and distribution of electricity in the South West of Western Australia (otherwise known as the South West Interconnected System or the SWIS). This includes connecting electricity to homes and businesses, and maintaining and expanding the electricity network.

The SWIS is the largest 'interconnected' network in Western Australia and extends from Kalbarri to Albany along the coastline, and also reaches Kalgoorlie to the east. The network is made up of two main parts: transmission (transports high voltage power from various generators, such as power stations and wind farms, to over 140 major substations), and distribution (transports lower voltage power from substations and distributes it to homes and businesses within the SWIS). The SWIS consists of over 88,000km of transmission and distribution lines.

Western Power is a statutory corporation established by the Electricity Corporations Act 2005 (WA). It is owned by the State Government of Western Australia and is accountable to the Minister for Energy.

Western Power - a commitment to support development and growth in the Mid West

The WA economy expanded at a pace of 10.5 per cent over the 2006 calendar year.

Economic growth in the State is expected to increase further on the back of a strong domestic economy. For Western Power, the growth is evidenced by significant increase in spending to fund the significant works program. Over the next four years, Western Power will upgrade and expand the SWIS by an unprecedented $3.5 billion. Along with the State, the Mid West region is also experiencing growth.

Major economic developments such as the numerous resource projects proposed for the region have the capacity to boost current predictions quite significantly. The primary driver for Western Power's works in the region is peak demand growth.

Sources of load growth in the Mid West include new residential and commercial developments, new mining and industrial projects, increasing use of air conditioning and isolated larger customer connections. The Mid West network will reach capacity by summer 2010/2011, meaning Western Power needs to reinforce the network.

Western Power has implemented a number of initiatives to improve the quality and reliability of power supply to the Mid West region, as well as allow for future growth.

Various infrastructure projects are planned for the Mid West including new transmission lines between Pinjar (north of Perth) and Moonyoonooka (east of Geraldton), and between Chapman substation and Northampton. These projects are important for the region as they will provide power to existing and proposed energy users, including new mining and industrial projects. These projects will also support the installation of additional power generators, including environmentally friendly wind farms.

Western Power will replace wood poles with steel poles in high-risk areas to help reduce pole top fires and damage from bushfires and storms.

The proposed installation of new substations (in Moonyoonooka, east of Geraldton, and in Northampton) will reduce the number of feeder lines required, and increase network capacity.

Western Power is expanding its preventative maintenance program to include increased silicone coating of pole top equipment to reduce pole top fires, additional pole top inspections, and additional route maintenance, with a significant boost to vegetation maintenance.

Over the next two years, Western Power plans to upgrade the network in regional areas through the Rural Power Improvement Program, with more than $60 million to be spent over three years in specifically targeted areas. The program aims to improve the reliability and quality of electricity to rural Western Australian communities. The program will reduce the frequency of power interruptions by strengthening the rural network. This will be done by improving existing powerlines and installing new powerlines and equipment. A total of 43,000 rural customers will benefit from these works.

Projects in the Mid West

The Mid West is currently serviced by what is referred to as the 'North Country' network. At present, this network is unable to transfer large amounts of power due to its ageing infrastructure and associated limitations. This means there is currently no capacity to connect large industrial customers and as such, a major reinforcement
to this system is planned.

The program of works to reinforce the Mid West includes two new major proposed transmission projects, outlined below.

Pinjar to Moonyoonooka 330 kV transmission line

Western Power is proposing to construct a 330 kV transmission line between Pinjar (north of Wanneroo) and
a new substation to be constructed at Moonyoonooka
(15km east of Geraldton).

The rapid economic development in the Mid West has escalated the need for the transmission line to meet the increasing demand for power and connect the growing number of energy suppliers in the region. Electricity demand forecasts for the region indicate the transmission line will be required by the summer of 2010/2011.

The project will be undertaken in two stages.

The first stage will be a rebuild of the existing 132 kV Pinjar-Eneabba line. This involves the replacement of an existing 132 kV line that currently runs between Pinjar and Eneabba with a 330 kV line. For almost its entire length, the new line will follow the existing 132 kV alignment.

The second stage involves the construction of a new transmission line between Eneabba substation and a new terminal substation to be constructed in Moonyoonooka. The corridor selection process for this section of the line (involving a multi-criteria analysis of 16 potential corridor options), commenced in September 2006, with local government representatives, key stakeholders and community members attending a series of consultative workshops.

In early July it was announced that a preferred corridor had been selected (Option 10) - a map is available on the Western Power website. Western Power is currently working with affected landowners to determine the most suitable line route within the 1km-wide corridor.

Chapman to Northampton 132 kV transmission line

Western Power is proposing to construct a 132 kV transmission line between Chapman substation (located in Spalding, north of Geraldton) and a proposed substation in Northampton.

Western Power is currently conducting the corridor selection process for this project which, to date, has involved a series of Community Information Sessions and Community Workshops in local areas.

A multi-criteria analysis of a series of potential corridor options is currently being undertaken by the project team, with a preferred corridor to be announced soon.

For more information on any of our projects, please
visit our website: www.westernpower.com.au

Sustainability and the environment

Western Power aims to provide an ethical and sustainable works program. Ongoing initiatives include the Environmentally Sensitive Area program, a partnership with Landcare Australia and the Carbon Neutral program.

Western Power is committed to working with all stakeholders, and taking a rigorous consultative approach to selecting preferred options for projects and obtaining necessary approvals.

A new focus for Western Power is to improve relationships and work closely with rural communities to ensure these works are undertaken in a way that minimises the impact on local communities and businesses.

Western Power sponsorships

Western Power recently announced their sponsorship funding program for the Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades.

Funding will be made available for Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades within the SWIS for equipment, power connections for up to $5000 per brigade in any given financial year.

Applications from any interested brigades can be made direct to Western Power and must include an accompanying proposal and quote for the equipment or work for which funding is being sought.

John Nicolaou, CCI Chief Economist

Western Australia is in the midst of the greatest economic expansion in its short history, courtesy of the unprecedented demand generated from China for our natural resources.

Such growth has brought with it significant labour requirements. Since the current phase of economic expansion started six years ago, almost 200,000 jobs have been created in the WA economy. However, these additional people employed throughout the WA economy have not been sufficient to meet demand, with labour shortages becoming a key limiting factor to additional growth in this State.

Labour market conditions have probably never been tighter. Unemployment is at historic lows, employment growth is strong, participation rates are high, but job vacancies are also at record highs. According to the latest Commonwealth Bank-CCI Survey of Business Expectations, a record 76 per cent of all businesses surveyed reported labour as scarce. And the scarcity of labour is evident across all industry sectors, all business sizes, and all occupation groups.

While the emergence of increasingly acute labour shortages has in the short term been the result of the State’s exceptionally strong economic performance, there will be long term consequences for the State in the form of missed opportunities if not addressed.

In addition, there are a number of longer term structural issues that are emerging, which could have a significant impact on the State's workforce, and potentially put a brake on the State's growth potential. Such structural issues are centred on the ageing of the population and the declining rates of fertility, the ageing of the workforce in certain industries and in different regions across the State. These longer term trends require a different response to the short term labour shortages that currently exist in Western Australia.

Ensuring that the State has a productive and available workforce will be important if WA is to realise its full potential.

Looking forward, it is expected that Western Australia's current economic expansion will continue for a number of years, which will require a significant increase in the workforce to facilitate such growth. CCI estimates that if economic growth can be maintained at the average rate of growth experienced over the past six years, then it is expected that an additional 400,000 workers will be required in the WA economy over the next 10 years.

These additional labour requirements cannot be met on the basis of the current labour market and population trends. In the absence of measures to grow the workforce sufficiently, it is estimated that there will be a shortfall of 150,000 workers in Western Australia by 2017.

Labour shortages of such magnitude will make it difficult (if not impossible) for the WA economy to realise its potential in the medium to longer term, unless measures are put in place to ensure that the labour force is able to grow in line with future economic activity.

There is a clear and pressing need to increase the overall population of Australia. The current policy of targeting skilled immigration is very effective and should be expanded, both in the absolute numbers of immigrants and also in terms of the weighting towards skilled migrants.

A critical component to Western Australia's recent economic success has been the responsiveness of business and the labour market to changes in external conditions. A vital element to that responsiveness has been the 457 short stay visa program which has allowed sectors experiencing strong growth in demand to substantially increase their supply of workers. While the 457 visa program is highly effective, it can be improved by expanding the class of worker that can be employed from overseas on a temporary basis.

The current cycle of economic growth has resulted in labour force participation rates reaching record highs. However, when compared internationally, there are certain population segments which have relatively low levels of participation in the workforce - particularly older-aged Australians, prime-aged males and child-bearing aged females. Increasing participation amongst these sections of the community will be a critical strategy to boosting our supply of labour. There are a variety of measures that Australia can make in order to address any perceived barriers to labour force participation - such as changes to the taxation system, welfare assistance and education and training systems.

There are a host of other broader strategies that need to be addressed by Government when developing a human capital strategy. While population growth and increased labour force participation is critical to boosting the supply of labour, equally important is to ensure that the productivity of the workforce increases. Central to improving productivity are measures to increase educational attainment amongst all workers, reforms to the education system which improve literacy and numeracy, and maintaining a flexible industrial relations system - one which rewards productivity improvements.

Addressing housing affordability and improving the vibrancy of Perth and the regions are also critical components of a broad human capital strategy as they have been barriers to people moving to Western Australia.

Finally, it should be noted that while there are a number of policy responses that governments need to consider to address our human capital needs, it is also important that business changes and adapts to an evolving labour market environment. Business will need to find ways to develop and source appropriate labour, and ensure that they implement initiatives which help to build a positive culture within their organisation, one which brings with it high levels of motivation, empowerment and performance.

CCI's discussion paper Building Human Capital is available online as part of the Business Leaders Series at: www.cciwa.com

In today’s changing workplace, CCI membership is an integral part of any business.

With around 5250 members, both large and small from all sectors, CCI is here to represent your organisation on issues affecting business, in order to achieve collectively what organisations cannot achieve alone.

We also provide a range of services to our members to assist in the efficient and profitable operation of your business, including:

• CCI Business Advice Centre (BAC)-free telephone advice relating to:
• employee and industrial relations
• OSH and workers’ compensation
• general human resources
• CCI legal
• industrial relations services
• CCI migration services
• OSH consultancy
• CCI international trade
• apprenticeship and trainee services
• networking events
• training and development services
• seminars and business briefings
• involvement in lobbying and policy development

CCI has been working hard with its members to address the issues affecting the resources sector, such as the shortage of skilled labour, critical state infrastructure and reforming the projects approvals system.

A number of CCI services that provide assistance to companies involved in the resource and energy sectors are outlined in greater detail in the following pages.

For more information about CCI and the services provided contact Membership Services on (08)9365 7455.

Resource & Energy Projects Service (REPS)

REPS is one of CCI's most successful and widely renowned services, dedicated to the provision of accurate, concise, and up-to-date information on project developments in the WA resource and energy sectors.

REPS provides comprehensive coverage of project developments across a number industries including oil and gas, power generation, mineral extraction and processing, chemical and petrochemical, marine, defence, major infrastructure, and other natural resource process industries.

REPS subscribers receive 34 newsletters each year, both in hardcopy and by email. Delivered every 10 to 12 days, the REPS Newsletter provides not only news and information, but also highlights opportunities for subscribers to source prospective business, tender on development contracts, establish viable joint ventures and gain inclusion onto bid lists for construction, supply and service contracts.

Importantly, REPS Newsletters provide key contact details for each project featured.

Subscription to REPS includes a listing in this directory - the WA Resource Development Services Directory. Subscribers are entitled to a half-page profile in the directory to promote the capabilities and services offered by their company or organisation.

In addition, REPS subscribers have access to the REPS Major WA Project List, which is updated every June and December. The Major Project List details all projects across WA, with a capital expenditure in excess of $10 million.

REPS also runs sundowner events throughout the year, providing excellent networking opportunities. Keynote speakers present to attendees on major project developments in WA, with recent presentations from Woodside Energy, Newmont Mining and Gindalbie Metals.

REPS is available in hardcopy, via email and online at:
www.cciwa.com/reps

Projects information:
Contact the REPS Editor, Lilly Hanscom on (08)9365 7567 or email: Lilly.Hanscom@cciwa.com

REPS administration:
For information on subscribing to REPS, listing your business in the REPS Directory and login details contact the REPS Administrator, Cheryl Drinkwater on (08) 9365 7619 or email: reps@cciwa.com

CCI Training Services

CCI Training Services, located in Kwinana, is an industry-owned training centre providing quality apprentice, trade and technical training for the manufacturing, engineering, and oil and gas industries. The Registered Training Organisation (RTO) provides nationally recognised training and certification.

The Kwinana training centre celebrated its 10th year of operation in 2007 and continues to provide specialist industrial skills training for over 450 apprentices in Electrical, Mechanical and Fabrication Engineering.

The centre provides training for individuals from all over the Perth metropolitan area and also from regional locations from Albany to Karratha and many points between. The off-the-job component of apprentice training is funded by the Department of Education and Training.

In addition to a range of trade apprentice programs, CCI Training Services continues to meet industry training needs by providing a range of consultancy and customised training services. The organisation continues to be a mainstay of training for the Certificate IV in Engineering (Instrumentation) - a trade in great demand. This training was undertaken through both WA Department of Education and Training contracts and full fee clients. Other specialist training is conducted in hydraulics, fluid power and welding.

Consultancy services are also available to assess skill gaps, training needs and to provide special short courses to meet organisations' needs. Training is conducted on organisations' sites as well as at Kwinana.

Kwinana Skills Centre also delivers a range of trade skill programs for the Royal Australian Navy through its partner, Scientific Management Associates.

For information about CCI Training Services contact Gary Arcus on (08) 9437 0100 or email: skillscentre@cciwa.com

Apprenticeships Australia

If you would like to employ an apprentice or trainee without the administrative hassles, CCI provides a solution that offers flexibility, quality service and nationwide coverage.

Apprenticeships Australia is a professional apprentice and trainee employment service that recruits, employs and manages apprentices and trainees in a number of different industries.

The service currently employs more than 1,000 apprentices and trainees who are placed with one or more host companies to gain on-the-job industry experience whilst training. There are a number of benefits to host companies including:

• quality recruitment and selection process;
• payment of wages, workers' compensation and all other work-related expenses;
• help and advice for host companies on employment and training issues;
• the active involvement of the apprentice's or trainee's family members throughout the process;
• regular, proactive field supervision;
• extensive expertise in human resource management, occupational health and safety, workers' compensation and injury management;
• coaching and mentoring of host company staff involved in apprentice and trainee supervision;
• coverage of all other statutory responsibilities that apply to the employment of young persons as apprentices or trainees, and;
• direct access to the Australian Apprenticeship Centre and a range of other services from WA's peak business organisation.

As well as direct employment and hosting of apprentices and trainees, Apprenticeships Australia provides a management and mentoring service to companies that employ apprentices and trainees.

For more information about CCI's Apprentice Services contact (08) 9365 7662 or email: apprenticeships@cciwa.com or visit the website: www.cciwa.com/appswa

Energy Apprenticeships Group

In addition to the services offered by Apprenticeships Australia, the Energy Apprenticeships Group delivers a customised service to meet the oil and gas industry's unique apprentice and trainee needs.

CCI provides an experienced dedicated team with extensive oil and gas industry experience in delivering first class apprentice and trainee programs across the full spectrum of apprentice, trainee and cadet vocation choices.

CCI is a joint venture partner with the Australian Centre for Energy and Process Training (ACEPT), which is endorsed by the energy industry through their representative body, Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association Limited (APPEA). The joint venture aims to deliver a world class service to the energy sector.

For information about CCI's Apprentice Services contact (08) 9365 7662, email: apprenticeships@cciwa.com or visit the website: www.cciwa.com/appswa

CCI Skills Match Database

CCI's Skills Match Database is a personalised service to help members address skilled labour shortages across industry.

The centrepiece of the service is a database of applicants interested in working in WA. The database contains the resumes of skilled tradespeople and professionals seeking to migrate to Australia. Businesses can access and view these candidates by subscription to the Skills Match Database.

CCI participated in the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs' overseas "Australia Needs Skills" expos, and the Small Business Development Corporations "Go West Now" campaigns held in Melbourne, Sydney, New Zealand and South Africa. Resumes continue to be collected and compiled onto the database from interested, skilled applicants, ready and willing to work in WA.

To build on the database and offer CCI members a comprehensive service, CCI has developed CCI Skills Match Consultancy Service, which provides tailored advice and support to businesses seeking enterprise-specific solutions, including short, medium and longer-term strategies. These solutions may include:

• training options, including traineeships and apprenticeships, up-skilling and gap training for existing workers;
• recruitment and retention strategies, and;
• recruitment of skilled overseas workers.

Through the consultancy service, CCI is able to help members identify strategies for establishing a focused approach to managing human resources for their business.

For more details contact Louisa Smith on (08) 9365 7620 or email: Louisa.Smith@cciwa.com

CCI Construction Services

CCI's Construction Services team has provided expert assistance on employee relations strategy since the late 1970s.

CCI's team of professional advisers can deliver customised services in all aspects of industrial and employee relations, from the project planning phase through to construction and commissioning.

Construction Services' advisers have extensive experience in designing, implementing and managing employee relations strategies for projects throughout Australia.

The team can assist with the planning stages of new projects to develop an Industrial Relations Management Plan (IRMP) addressing a number of issues including pay rates for construction labour, involvement of unions, contractor and subcontractor bid list review, and site safety.

Once the IRMP has been developed, Construction Services takes the role of project adviser, assisting contractors to work within the IRMP.

Construction Services can also provide guidance during the pre-bid period and after-contract award, assisting with pre-construction strategic planning, labour relations advice for engineers and contractors, and documentation for bidding purposes to ensure contractors comply with tender requirements.

CCI's Construction Services team draws on practical, hands-on experience to provide members with specialist consultancy services relating to employee performance management and termination, workplace restructuring and outsourcing, and mediation and dispute settlement.

The team can ensure employment contracts and human resource policies are lawful, effective and comprehensive by drafting them and providing advice on implementing and varying employment contracts and HR policies. They can also audit your existing contracts, policies and practices.

Polices can be drafted on issues including recruitment, confidentiality, harassment and discrimination, email and internet use, drugs and alcohol abuse, termination and disciplinary procedure.

CCI's professional advisers will provide the critical support your organisation needs by explaining the relevant legislation and how it applies to each business. CCI's Construction Services helps employers get the most out of industrial instruments by drafting agreements that accurately reflect the organisation's intentions, and meets legislative requirements.

For more information contact CCI Construction Services on (08) 9365 7638 or email: construction@cciwa.com

CCI Migration Services

CCI's Migration Services specialises in employer sponsored temporary and permanent skilled migration.

CCI Migration Services offers professional corporate immigration and visa consultancy services to employers from across industry, ranging from small to medium enterprise to large corporate employers, for the sponsorship of skilled personnel from overseas.

The service has developed from directly facilitating the transfer of suitably qualified staff to Australia to address the persisting skill demands of WA’s manufacturing, mining, resources and construction sectors which cannot be readily met from within the domestic labour market

By offering fast, efficient and customised immigration and visa solutions based on individual corporate and business needs, CCI Migration Services provides practical immigration advice and visa solutions to employers who are undertaking or planning offshore recruitment.

Key services include:

• establishment of business sponsorship arrangements;
• advice on sponsorship obligations and undertakings;
• assistance with monitoring and compliance issues;
• guidance on employer nomination and regional sponsorship schemes;
• lodgement and monitoring of sponsorships and nominations;
• assessment and advice on eligibility for temporary and permanent visas;
• lodgement and monitoring of visa applications;
• negotiating labour agreements and advice on training requirements;
• skill-matching for employers to fill skill shortages in the workforce;
• intra-company transfers and relocation of key personnel from overseas;
• specialist immigration advice to HR Managers and overseas employees, and;
• representation to the Migration Review Tribunal.

For more information, contact CCI Migration Services (MARN 0318589) on (08) 9365 7521 or
email: visas@cciwa.com

CCI Legal

CCI Legal provides quality, cost-effective legal representation and advice on a range of business and employee relations matters for businesses of any size or industry.

Backed by CCI, CCI Legal is committed to protecting the legal rights of business owners and employers. CCI Legal is focused on fast, effective resolution, and ensuring that clients are kept informed throughout the entire process - which helps reduce the stress and frustration often associated with legal action.

We aim to limit the impact of disputes and legal action with a client-focused approach which often equates to less time and expense being incurred by clients and a more satisfying resolution all round.

Our lawyers are available by phone, e-mail or appointment for legal advice and assistance on most business related issues including:

• contractual disputes 
• commercial law
• corporations law 
• leases/tenancies 
• unfair dismissals and unlawful termination
• industrial action and union disputes
• contracts of employment and contractual benefits claims
• redundancies 
• restraint of trade
• establishing a business
• equal opportunity/discrimination 
• workers’ compensation 
• intellectual property/copyright 
• trade practices 
• occupational health and safety 
• privacy and Confidentiality

For more information, contact CCI Legal on (08) 9365 7799 or email: ccilegal@cciwa.com

Industry Capability Network of Western Australia

The Industry Capability Network of Western Australia (ICNWA) is a specialist Australian vendor identification service provided as a joint industry and State Government initiative.

The service is managed and operated by CCI and is funded by the WA Government, through its Department of Industry and Resources.

ICNWA is part of a network of 24 offices across Australia and New Zealand, connecting buyers with suppliers. Its consultancy service evaluates purchasing requirements and makes recommendations on alternative supply channels aimed at lowering costs and building effective Australian industry supply networks.

ICNWA’s core service works as an integral part of the design and procurement teams of most major WA projects in order to maximise local industry participation.

In addition to its core service, ICNWA commenced a Global Supply Chain access service, focussing on connecting multinational companies with globally competitive Australian suppliers, enabling local companies to take advantage of international opportunities.

Some of the ICNWA activities carried out with domestic and global design and procurement teams include:

• identifying competitive Australian-made goods and services;
• linking competitive Australian-made goods and services into global supplier registration systems of the global engineering companies;
• locating potential Australian partners for joint ventures and technology transfer;
• providing industry briefings and seminars on WA investment project procurement opportunities, and;
• supplying industry development services, such as; capability analysis, industry specific capability directories investigation into infrastructure requirements and many others.

A significant initiative undertaken by ICNWA has been the establishment of ProjectConnect (www.projectconnect.com.au). This online system, which ICNWA designed and administers, provides direct web-based communication between buyers and suppliers. It is a free service and retains only the profiles of companies with representation in Australia. This public site consists of three main areas:

Company profile

Suppliers can register on the website www.projectconnect.com.au by creating a 'company profile' which includes details on the products and services a company provides, the resources available to them and company contacts. Companies can use their company profile to lodge an electronic expression of interest against listed project opportunities.

Opportunities

ProjectConnect helps suppliers identify procurement opportunities and provides project buyers with information on supplier capability. In most cases, the project information and procurement listings on this site are managed by project personnel.