A Blue Print for Mining & Governments to work together EYRE PENINSULA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

1. A Blue Print for Mining & Governments to work together EYRE PENINSULA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

2. The Region: • In 2011, the regional population was 55,651 people, comprising 3.5% of the South Australian population. • Since 2001, the regional population has increased by 3.34% but this growth is not consistent across the region as a whole. Coastal areas increasing, inland declining. • The region is well positioned to facilitate and support a broad range of significant developments. • Based on employment the main industry is primary production (agriculture, fishing & aquaculture)

3. Mining on the Eyre Peninsula has the potential to be a major new industry. • The construction of new mines is certain to have an impact on councils & government across the region. • Age old regional issues of water & power need solving to assist the development of mining in the region. • Infrastructure issues need addressing as a part of developing industries.

4. Local Government Blue Print: • 11 Councils of varying size and capacity • 11 Individual Council Development Plans • 11 Individual Council Strategic Plans • Need for a more regional approach to planning – reduce the barriers – be open for business. • Major funding to Whyalla & EP Regional Development Australia Board is also critical to the regions economic development.

5. All Councils claim they are struggling with community expectations and are finding it more difficult to remain compliant in a number of areas. i.e. LGA Outreach Service now in place to assist • Any rapid increase in population caused by growth of the mining industry presents a further challenge for councils in meeting and resourcing additional demand for services according to growing community expectations - Structure Planning & Regional Scale Planning is critical for the future.

6. Impacts of Mining on Local Govt: • Population Growth – structure planning e.g. Tumby Bay • Infrastructure requirements – Local, Regional & State • Local Infrastructure pressures – social & community – schools, child care, health, recreational etc. • Affects on the local economy – housing, local businesses capacity etc. • Social impacts – more wealthy v less wealthy • Skills Shortages – affects on existing industry • Land use conflicts – agricultural v mining

7. Community Consultation – the who, how & when etc. • Environmental challenges – dust, noise, vegetation etc • Financial capacity of Councils to undertake the tasks brought about during the leading up to and including mining in full operations. • Human resource capacity of Councils – lack of expertise & skills to manage the impacts, lack of experience in this change. • The fear of the unknown & over whelmed affects on Councils.

8. The Blue Print for the way forward: • A collaborative approach where local and state governments cooperate and plan with mining companies to provide infrastructure that is required . • The user-pays principle is appropriate in the case of developments where virtually all infrastructure (physical and social) is project specific. • Other infrastructure that is not entirely project specific needs a partnership approach.

9. State Government are perceived to be “hands-off” and hoping that mining companies will provide the funding necessary to support infrastructure development and service provision • The provision of ports, improvements to rail & other transport infrastructure, power & water could act as a catalyst for further economic development in the region or bringing into production mining deposits that are uneconomic as a single mine, but are economic when considered as a group of mines. • Councils will need to manage the costs of local roads (including many that are unsealed), access to port facilities and social infrastructure (i.e. User pays, partnerships etc.).

10. Conclusion: • The Region & State need the economic spin offs from a mining & resource sector being further developed on E.P. This is a once in a life time opportunity for E.P. • The challenges can only be met through a partnership approach by the State & Local Government & the mining companies. Structure planning is critical in the initial days – allows better strategic planning. • The region needs to maximise its opportunities – mining can ensure much needed infrastructure is put in place for all to benefit.

11. EP Mining Taskforce – where are we at with this? • Region needs a taskforce now & funded to ensure it operates effectively – critical to the overall blue print. • It must be supported by Local, State Government & mining industry. • The Taskforce can not do it all alone and will need the assistance from all partners. It requires decision makers & “can do” people at the table. • Local Government has been leading & must continue to do so as it has the higher risk for the longest period of time.