Volume 48, No. 10, June 15, 2006
MINING
company Oxiana will be permitted to conduct operations in the
Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) following the signing of an access
agreement with the Government.
Deputy Chief of Air Force AVM John Blackburn said the Deed of
Access would allow Oxiana access to a Defence area for ongoing
commercial operations.
The WPA covers approximately 127,000 sq kms of South Australia
– roughly twice the size of Tasmania – making it the
largest land-based test facility in the world.
“The WPA’s primary role is as a test and evaluation
range for Air Force capability development. It is an essential
asset that is being utilised at an increasing rate each year,”
said AVM Blackburn.
“It also has potential to provide significant economic revenue
due to its reserves of natural resources. Defence is committed
to co-existence with industry and this access agreement with Oxiana
demonstrates that commitment.
“The open and effective communication between Oxiana and
Defence has ensured that the economic value of land in the Woomera
area can be exploited without a negative effect to a significant
Defence capability,” he said.
The agreement ensures Oxiana adequate access to maintain an economically
supportable mine without effecting Defence operations in the area.
Due to the nature of activities at Woomera, the safety of personnel
is paramount and forms a fundamental part of the agreement. During
preparation for testing items such as weapons, a determination
will be made of risk levels for personnel on the ground.
Defence has undertaken extensive environmental studies and consultation
with indigenous communities.
An Indigenous Heritage Management Plan is being developed to guide
the processes for managing Defence’s activities in the Prohibited
Area.
An Environmental Management Plan is also being developed for the
sustainable management of the Prohibited Area.
