Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett

Crowd Favourite Back For Sculpture By The Sea

Victor P Taffa

• Cottesloe Beach transformed into giant sculpture park
• More than 70 works on display
• Free public event runs for three weeks

Cottesloe Beach has again been transformed into a giant sculpture park as Sculpture by the Sea opens for its eighth consecutive year.
Premier Colin Barnett said the event was one of the highlights on the State’s diverse events calendar and was continuing to grow in popularity.

“Last year, Sculpture by the Sea attracted its biggest crowd ever – an estimated 215,000 people. That’s 75,000 more people than in 2010.” Mr. Barnett said.

“This year’s exhibition is sure to wow audiences again as we welcome back China’s Chen Wenling whose piece, Red Memory Smile, captured the hearts and imaginations of last year’s audience.”

The Premier said the 2012 event had attracted 32 local, 22 interstate and 22 international artists from China, Japan, the USA, Iceland, Finland, Denmark and Italy.

“The State Government, through Eventscorp, is proud to be supporting this popular, free event, which gives local sculptors the opportunity to exhibit their work alongside some renowned international artists.”

Mr. Barnett encouraged anyone planning on visiting Sculpture by the Sea to take advantage of the free ‘Cott Cat’ shuttle bus service which operated from Cottesloe train station.

“Traffic gets very busy along Marine Parade during the event and parking is at a premium.” Mr. Barnett said.

The Premier visited the exhibition last night ahead of its official opening today.

Fact File

• Event runs from March 1 to 19, 2012
• Free Cott Cat service provided by Town of Cottesloe with support from the Public Transport Authority
• More information at http://www.sculpturebythesea.com

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett

Western Australia Minister for State Development Colin Barnett

600 Jobs To Flow From New Pilbara Project

Victor P Taffa

• State Govt approves 53km railway and 220 kV power line for Hope Downs 4 mine
• Project estimated to be worth more than $400M, and create up to 600 new jobs

The State Government has cleared the way for a rail and power supply project in the Pilbara estimated to be worth more than $400 Million, and which will generate up to 600 jobs.

Premier and State Development Minister Colin Barnett said that the Government had granted Rio Tinto a special railway licence for a 53km railway line and approved a 220 kV electricity transmission line to connect the new Hope Downs 4 mine to the existing Hope Downs 1 infrastructure.

The Hope Downs 4 mine is being developed by a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, which is operated by Rio Tinto. The rail and power project will be funded, built and operated by Rio Tinto.

“These approvals are the final step for development of the 15 Million tonnes p.a. (Mtpa) Hope Downs 4 iron ore mine, at an estimated total cost of more than $1.2 Billion.” Mr. Barnett said.

“The new mine will create about 1,500 new jobs and Rio Tinto expects first production to commence in the second quarter of 2013.”

“Following Hope Downs 4 receiving environmental approval on January 31, 2011, the company and Government agencies have worked together efficiently to develop detailed proposals, and finalise approvals, for the mine, rail and power supply components.”

“I thank all of the Government agencies involved in this important project.”

Approval for the new mine was granted under the Iron Ore (Hope Downs) Agreement 1992 in July 2011 and the rail and power supply components were approved under the Iron Ore (Hamersley Range) Agreement 1963 in December 2011.

The Premier said the State Government granted the approvals and special railway licence after consideration of impacts of the rail and power infrastructure on affected land holders and on the environment.

“During the final six months of 2011, the Government granted approval for iron ore expansion projects in the Pilbara, worth a combined total of almost $10 Billion.” Mr. Barnett said.

Fact File

• In 2010-11, WA exported more than 395 Million tonnes of iron ore and industry employed more than 30,000 people
• Rio Tinto is expanding its iron ore production capacity from 225 Mtpa to 353 Mtpa by 2015
• State’s iron ore industry paid more than $3.35B royalties to State Govt in 2010-11
• This was a 125 % increase on the previous year

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett

Premier Gets West Coast Fever

Victor P Taffa

• Premier becomes number 1 ticketholder
• Big year ahead for WA team with new coach and star player

Western Australian netball fans are set for an exciting season with a new coach and star shooter joining West Coast Fever, Premier Colin Barnett said today.

Mr. Barnett was speaking after receiving a Number 1 ticketholder pack from Fever captain Catherine Cox and co-vice captain Caitlin Bassett.

“2012 should herald a new era of success for the team with the signings of ex-Australian national coach Norma Plummer and two-time world champion Cath Cox.” Mr. Barnett said.

“The team already includes home grown talent Caitlin Bassett and Susan Fuhrmann, who have established themselves as essential Australian Diamonds players, and regularly represent their State at international level.

“Perth hosted international netball as part of the celebrations for last year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).”

“That included a really exciting and closely-fought match between Australia and New Zealand which I attended.”

“I met Catherine and a couple of the other international netball captains when they held a netball clinic for the students at Balga SHS during CHOGM celebrations.”

“It was a great event and I thought Catherine was fantastic with the children. I think the fact she is coming to play for Fever is terrific and I wish the team success.”

Mr. Barnett said he was delighted to accept the honour of becoming the team’s Number 1 ticket holder.

“I was gripped by the intensity of the game and look forward to watching the Fever in action here in Perth.” Mr. Barnett said.

Fact File

• West Coast Fever History:
  - 2011 – finished ninth (3 wins 10 losses)
  - 2010 – finished eighth (4 wins 10 losses)
  - 2009 – finished seventh (5 wins 8 losses)
• The team will play six matches in Perth this season. For more information go to http://www.westcoastfever.com.au/

Western Australia Minister for Agriculture and Food Terry Redman

Top Grain Farmers’ Secrets To Profitability

Victor P Taffa

• Survey reveals success strategies of top 25 growers

A survey of the State’s top grain growers has revealed the strategies which can be adopted to increase the profitability of other growers across the grain growing sector.

The survey, which was part of the Department of Agriculture and Food’s Bridging the Yield Gap (BYG) project, looked at what made the State’s top 25 grain growers in high and medium rainfall areas more successful.

Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said using Planfarm clients, the survey provided a profile of the business behaviours that had made the top 25 growers consistently successful.

“During the past six seasons, these growers accumulated $1.75million more wealth than the average grower. The highly profitable farmers didn’t have bigger farms, better soils, more rainfall or less debt than other growers, but they were significantly more profitable.” Mr. Redman said.

“What set them apart was uncompromising commitment to focus on the key drivers of profit, preparedness, the ability to make decisions outside of highly stressful times, a great deal of attention to detail and a very positive attitude about the future of agriculture.”

“Top growers also tended to be profit focused and remained flexible to take advantage of opportunities as they presented themselves.”

The Minister said the BYG project would use the information to help growers build networks to drive the profitability of their business, with the support of their peers and industry specialists.

The department’s Bridging the Yield Gap project aims to assist growers improve the profitability of their grain growing businesses.

Fact File

• Bridging the Yield Gap project aims to increase yields in medium-high rainfall areas
• In past six seasons, State’s top 25 grain growers were 74 % more profitable than average grower

Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett

Western Australia Minister for State Development Colin Barnett

Premier Opens Devil Creek Project

Victor P Taffa

• $1.1B project to boost domestic gas production capacity by up to 20 %
• Increasing domestic gas production a State Government priority

New investment in domestic gas production will be increasingly important for Western Australia’s economic future, Premier and State Development Minister Colin Barnett said today as he opened the Apache Energy-operated Devil Creek Gas Plant and Hub, 45km south-west of Dampier.

“As WA’s third domestic gas plant, and the first new facility built in more than 15 years, Devil Creek has increased the State’s domestic gas production capacity by 20 %.” Mr. Barnett said.

“By providing an additional, independent supply of gas, the Devil Creek plant will make a significant contribution to our energy security.”

“Natural gas is critical to the State, as feedstock for industry, for household heating and cooking and as the energy source for almost 50 % of electricity production.”

“With WA’s population growing strongly, and its mineral production and processing industries expanding, demand for natural gas is continuing to increase.”

“In addition, future development of magnetite iron ore resources will create significant new energy requirements.”

The Premier said the State Government was committed to expanding domestic gas supply, both by requiring that 15 % of natural gas processed onshore was reserved for domestic use, and by supporting exploration and associated activities.

Mr. Barnett congratulated Apache Energy and its joint venture partner Santos Ltd for their ongoing commitment to WA.

“The Devil Creek project is a $1.1Billion investment project, and Apache estimates that Australian content accounts for about 60 % of this.” Mr. Barnett said.

“This is Apache’s second domestic gas plant in WA, and both partners are also involved in many of the other oil, LNG and natural gas projects currently under way that will see production accelerate over the next decade.”

“Both Apache and Santos are also very actively engaged in exploring for new oil and gas resources.” Mr. Barnett said.

Fact File

• Devil Creek Project includes offshore wellhead platform in the Reindeer field; a 105km pipeline to shore; and gas plant
• Also includes two plants with combined production capacity of 220 terajoules of gas per day (tj/d), and estimated 1,000 barrels per day of condensate to be processed as transport fuel at BP Refinery, Kwinana, with expected life of 20-30 years
• WA’s current domestic gas production capacity is about 1,000 tj/d
• In addition to existing domestic gas production at Dampier (North West Shelf Venture operated by Woodside), Varanus Island and Devil Creek (operated by Apache), future domestic gas plants include Macedon (operated by BHPB) and part of the Gorgon and Wheatstone projects (operated by Chevron)

Western Australia Attorney General Christian Porter

New Solicitor General For Western Australia

Victor P Taffa

• Grant Donaldson SC appointed WA Solicitor General
• Appointment to be permanent

Attorney General Christian Porter has announced the permanent appointment of Grant Donaldson SC as the Solicitor General for Western Australia.

Mr. Porter said the Governor had approved Mr. Donaldson’s appointment and he would begin his new role on Monday February 27.

“Mr. Donaldson’s varied breadth and quality of legal and courtroom experience make him an ideal permanent appointment to the position.” the Attorney General said.

“He has an appreciation of wider public policy issues as well as experience in commercial, private and criminal law litigation.”

Mr. Porter thanked Mr. Robert Mitchell SC, who has been acting in the role since June 2011.

“Mr. Mitchell has contributed a great deal during his time as acting Solicitor General.” Mr. Porter said.

“His legal knowledge and expertise have proved invaluable on a wide range of matters.”

The former Solicitor General, Mr. Robert Meadows QC, retired from the position on July 18, 2011. On June 28, 2011, Mr. Mitchell was appointed on an acting basis for a period of 12 months or until a permanent appointment was made.

Mr. Donaldson was admitted to practice in WA in 1987, having completed a Bachelor of Jurisprudence and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from The University of WA, and a Bachelor of Civil Law from Oxford University. He was the WA Rhodes Scholar in 1986. Since 1998,

Mr. Donaldson SC has practised as a barrister at Francis Burt Chambers and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2004.

Mr. Donaldson’s salary, as determined by the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal, has been adjusted to take into account the retention of his right to limited private practice.

The Attorney General said this was a slight change to previous practice, which was based on the system in Queensland, and had been designed to allow Government to attract the most senior counsel from the bar, as in Mr. Donaldson’s case.

Funding for the appointment has already been allocated to the Department of the Attorney General.

Fact File

• Solicitor General provides the State of WA with legal and constitutional advice, and to appear in High Court litigation in which the State is involved
• More information at:
• http://www.department.dotag.wa.gov.au/s/solicitor_general.aspx

Western Australia Minister for Education Elizabeth Constable

More Schools Set To Benefit From Autonomy

Victor P Taffa

• Minister opens up next intake of IPS
• Already 40 % of WA Government schools have applied

The important State Government initiative giving principals, teachers and parents more say in how their school is run took another step forward today.

Speaking at Rosalie Primary School in Shenton Park, an Independent Public School (IPS) since 2011, Education Minister Liz Constable called for more school communities to consider the benefits of becoming an IPS.

Dr. Constable said the next intake would see another group of Western Australian public schools have a greater say in how their schools were run.

“Our IPS agenda is the single most important education reform of the past 30 years, and certainly the most enthusiastically embraced by schools themselves.” Dr. Constable said.

“This initiative is a fundamental component of the Government’s vision to enable all staff in schools to tailor programs to provide the best possible education for students.”

“Our State is leading the nation in giving schools more autonomy – and the initiative is revitalising public education for WA children.”
So far, 207 schools have been selected to become IPS by 2013, with 171 of these in operation already.

“The popularity of this initiative cannot be denied with 40 per cent of all public schools applying to become IPS over the past three years.” the Minister said.

“The secret to its success is the strong involvement and support of the whole school community in making the decision.”

“Schools are given greater autonomy in the form of increased local decision-making, particularly in the areas of school resources, finances and staffing.”

“I expect to receive strong interest once again, with the percentage of public schools applying for IPS status increasing with each intake.”

Rosalie Primary School Principal Su Goddard said that becoming an Independent Public School had allowed her greater flexibility in managing resources to meet the diverse range of student needs.

“We have selected and appointed our own staff that have the skills and experience we need to meet the learning needs of our students.” Ms. Goddard said.

“We also have greater flexibility in providing staff opportunities for their professional growth.”

“We now have a strong and committed school board and have not only strengthened links with our parent community; we have also uncovered opportunities for partnerships with local organisations and businesses.”

“These partnerships have the potential to greatly enhance the range and quality of learning opportunities for our students.”

Fact File

• EOI for next intake close at 4pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
• Schools can apply individually or as part of a cluster
• An independent panel will consider all applications

Western Australia Minister for Transport Troy Buswell

Stage Two Of Crucial Bunbury Port Road Begins

Victor P Taffa

• Stage two of Bunbury Port Access Road awarded to contractor Fulton Hogan
• Access road is a critical piece of road infrastructure for the South-West
• $170 Million project jointly funded by the Federal and State governments

Transport Minister Troy Buswell today announced the contract to design and construct the $133.9 Million second stage of the Bunbury Port Access Road has been awarded to South West-based contractor Fulton Hogan.

At a groundbreaking ceremony in Bunbury, Mr. Buswell said the project would greatly improve access to the port and Picton industrial area serviced by South Western Highway, and reduce congestion on Robertson Drive in Bunbury.

“This is a critical piece of road infrastructure for the South-West.” Mr. Buswell said.

“Construction on the second stage of the important Bunbury Port Access Road project is about to start with completion planned for March 2013.”

“The $36.1 Million first stage of the project, Willinge Drive between the port and Picton, was opened to traffic early in 2010.”

“Stage two will see Willinge Drive extended from Picton to the Bunbury Outer Ring Road and the Bunbury Outer Ring Road constructed between South Western Highway and the Boyanup-Picton Road.”

The Minister said the total project was worth $170 Million and was being jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments.

“This stage of the project offers an alternative route for freight vehicles from South Western Highway to the Bunbury Port and the Perth-Bunbury Highway, bypassing the congested sections of Robertson Drive between South Western Highway and the Eelup Rotary.” Mr. Buswell said.

“It forms part of the planned expansion of the road network, which includes the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, to cater for future growth of traffic on the road network and facilitate development of the Bunbury Port and South-West industry.”

Fact File

• For more information:
• http://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/
• Fulton Hogan has extensive experience in the South-West, providing road maintenance and construction services to Main Roads WA for more than 10 years

Summary of Bunbury Port Access Road Works

Work on Willinge Drive includes:

• A three kilometre extension as a two-lane road from South Western Highway in Picton to the Bunbury Outer Ring Road
• A two-lane bridge over the Ferguson River
• A new intersection at the connection of Willinge Drive with the Boyanup-Picton Road.

Work on the Bunbury Outer Ring Road includes:

• A four kilometre section of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road (including three kilometres of four-lane dual carriageway) from the Boyanup-Picton Road to South Western Highway in Davenport
• Two dual lane bridges over the Preston River
• New intersections at the junctions with South Western Highway, Boyanup-Picton Road, Moore Road and Willinge Drive.

In addition to the two new roads, the contract will include:

• Realignment and reconstruction of a 1.5km section of the Boyanup-Picton Road adjacent to the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, including upgrading of the intersection with Martin Pelusey Road
• Improvement of South Western Highway approaches to the Bunbury Outer Ring Road
• Provision of truck parking bays
• Construction of property accesses to several properties affected by the project.

Western Australia Minister for Lands Brendon Grylls

New Industrial Lots Available In Kununurra

Victor P Taffa

• 14 light industrial lots at Weaber Plain to be released today
• Ideally suited for agricultural businesses to support Ord expansion
• Lots can be amalgamated to suit different business styles

Businesses looking to capitalise on the State Government’s Ord expansion can now choose from 14 new lots at Stage 2 of LandCorp’s Weaber Plain Light Industrial Estate in Kununurra.

Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said the lots would help satisfy a strong demand for industrial land in the town, heightened even further by the Ord-East Kimberley Development Plan.

“Located on the outskirts of Kununurra, the Weaber Plain industrial estate is attracting a range of businesses needed in the growing town.” Mr. Grylls said.

“The lots are suited to a range of industries, including those servicing the agricultural requirements of the Ord.”

“For the first time LandCorp will allow businesses to purchase and amalgamate a number of lots to cater for their needs.”

The Minister said with about 15,000ha of new farmland just released, there would be an influx of new agricultural activity in the region, and ample opportunity for support industries to benefit.

“The future of Kununurra and the surrounding region is an exciting one with the Ord expansion providing a significant economic impetus.” Mr. Grylls said.

“The provision of adequate industrial land is integral to capitalising on this expected growth.”

Lots measure from 2,000sqm to 2,537sqm and priced from $380,000. All are fully serviced.

Fact File

• Land will be sold through private treaty
• Lots range in size from 2,000sqm-2,537sqm, priced from $380,000 and fully serviced
• More information at
• http://www.landcorp.com.au/weaberplainindustrial

Western Australia Minister for Tourism Kim Hames

Surf’s Up In Margaret River For World’s Best

Victor P Taffa

• 2012 Telstra Drug Aware Pro Margaret River attracts world-class field
• Four-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore back after five-year absence
• Men’s tour veterans and young stars to compete

The famous big waves of Margaret River will again host some of the world’s best surfers during next month’s Telstra Drug Aware Pro.
Tourism Minister Kim Hames today confirmed that four-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore would head a star-studded women’s draw.

“Stephanie Gilmore is a genuine sporting superstar, and it’s great to see her back on the tour and back at Margaret River after injury ruined her 2011 campaign.” Dr. Hames said.

The women’s field will also feature 2011 Margaret River champion Courtney Conlogue; former world champion and 2011 world number seven Sofia Mulanovich; 2011 world number nine Pauline Ado; and 2011 world number 10 Laura Enever.

The men’s draw will feature last year’s world number two, three and four surfers in Joel Parkinson, Owen Wright and Taj Burrow; as well as reigning Margaret River champion Damien Hobgood; 2011 world number eight Josh Kerr; and two times world champion Mick Fanning.

“This year’s Telstra Drug Aware Pro will also feature two of the hottest young surfers in the world, 19-year-old Hawaiian John John Florence and 17-year-old Californian Kolohe Andino.” the Minister said.

John John Florence won the 2011 season-ending Vans Triple Crown and started 2012 with a win at his home break of Pipeline. Kolohe Andino joins the world tour this year after winning an unprecedented nine US National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) titles.

Event organisers continue negotiations to bring the world’s greatest surfing champion, Kelly Slater, back to Margaret River this year.
The State Government, through Eventscorp, has been a proud supporter of the Telstra Drug Aware Pro Margaret River since 1985. Other major sponsors include Telstra and Healthway.

“This is a fantastic event to promote the extraordinary Margaret River region as well as Heathway’s very important Drug Aware message.” Dr. Hames said.

Fact File

• Telstra Drug Aware Pro will be held on March 19-26 at Surfers Point, Prevelly
• For more information on the event visit
• http://www.telstradrugawarepro.com/