Ravensthorpe mine to shut down
MORE than 300 local and fly-in-fly-out workers stand to lose their jobs as a Ravensthorpe mine stops operation.
First Quantum Minerals said it would place its Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation into a “care and maintenance phase” from Wednesday.
A company spokesperson said the decision came amidst challenges in sustaining operations due to lower nickel prices and higher operational costs.
They said efforts to transition to a new strategy, including ceasing mining activities and processing stockpiles had proven insufficient to offset “significant current and projected losses”.
The spokesperson said additionally, First Quantum prioritised preserving the future value of the Shoemaker-Levy orebody, rather than processing and selling nickel products at a loss.
They said approximately 330 roles would be made redundant, with a smaller care and maintenance team appointed to ensure site safety and preservation for “a future re-start”.
The spokesperson said despite the impact on employees and families, First Quantum would support the local community and engage with stakeholders in Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun.
Temporarily closed for ‘illegal’ distillery
DUNDAS Shire has temporarily closed the Norseman Men’s Shed facility after a routine building inspection discovered distilling equipment set up in the men’s toilet.
“To the Shire’s knowledge, another batch was prepared instead of ceasing this activity,” he said.
“Not only does the brewing/distilling of alcohol on the premises contradict good mental health and well-being practices, but it also raises implications for the Shire’s insurance policies.”
Mr Fitchat highlighted that in WA, distilling alcohol without a license in public buildings was illegal, irrespective of the quantity produced, including any amount over or under 5 litres.
He said this regulation was in place for safety concerns, taxation, and health regulations.
State funds for school upgrades
Esperance Senior High School is one of the two WA schools most in need of an upgrade, Education minister Tony Buti said, though he stopped short of promising to pay for it.
Although the State Budget includes $650,000 for project definition plan, Shire president Ron Chambers and Member for Roe Peter Rundle both expressed concern at the lack of funding in future years to do any construction work.
New Taylor Street jetty
The ageing Taylor Street Jetty in Esperance will be replaced with a new community facility as part of the WA Government’s $14.9 million budget allocation for Esperance Port upgrades.
A dedicated public access berth for local tourism operators and cruise tender vessels is included in Southern Ports’ plans for its new $5 million pilot and lines boat facility.
The new facility will be located on the existing Taylor Street Jetty site on the Esperance foreshore.
Marine Park Rally
MORE than 400 people turned out for the third Esperance rally to protest against the proposed South Coast Marine Park.
Esperance Land Based Fishing Club president Mitch Waideman acted as MC and introduced each speaker.
These included WA Liberals deputy leader Steve Martin MLC; Esperance Deep Sea Angling Club president Corrina Worth, Esperance Professional Fishermen’s Association president David Gray, and Munglinup farmer Max Szulc who is running a petition.
Mr Waideman also spoke on behalf of the Land Based Fishing Club and also read a speech from Federal Liberal member for O’Connor, Rick Wilson.
