NQ Resources Supply Chain Steering Committee

The first meeting of the North Queensland Resources Supply Chain Steering Committee will be held in Townsville on 8 October to help prioritise projects and investment in north Queensland.

Announcing the committee members today Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said there was a wide range of expertise and all members were dedicated to the advancement of the region.  

“Chaired by Xstrata Copper’s Steve DeKruijff, this strategic oversight committee of industry and government representatives will oversee future work on infrastructure planning for the north Queensland resource supply chain,” Mr Seeney said. 

“Industry representatives play an important role as they are the owners and users of the infrastructure. 

“It is these industries which will be crucial to future investment in improving infrastructure and coordinating the way it is used. 

“Mayor John Wharton will represent the seven north-west Mayors who are interested in developing the wealth of their communities.  Consultation with all Mayors will occur as part of the work program. 

“The broader MITEZ (Mount Isa Townsville Economic Zone) group will be represented by MITEZ Executive Officer Glen Graham.  

“This government wants to support development and investment in resource regions and ensure communities are benefitting from the development of the resource industry.” 

Funding of $1.66 million for infrastructure planning was secured from Infrastructure Australia to support the north west Queensland supply chain corridor between Mount Isa and Townsville. 

This project will build on the earlier work undertaken by MITEZ to develop the North Queensland Resources Supply Chain: Operationalising the 50 Year Infrastructure Plan. 

The membership of the committee reflects the full range of interests in the project: 

Steve DeKruijff – Chief Operating Officer, Xstrata Copper
John Wharton – Mayor, Richmond Shire Council
Ross Dunning – Chairman, Port of Townsville Limited
Glen Graham – Executive Officer, Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone
Tony Lucas – Stakeholder Relations Manager, QR National
Ray Gofton – National Distribution Manager, Incitec Pivot
Roland Pittar – General Manager, Federal Department of Information and Technology
Paul Smith – Deputy Director General, Department of Transport and Main Roads
Michael Mitchell – General Manager Customer Services – North, Queensland Rail
Brendan Schilling – General Manager Business Development, Blackwood Coal
Jamie Merrick – Deputy Director General, Department of State Development Infrastructure and Planning

“This government wants to see greater utilisation of existing infrastructure,” Mr Seeney said. 

“This will drive economic growth which is a key priority of the Government.  

“Greater use of infrastructure is dependent upon bringing forward mining projects, another priority for this government.  

“We will continue to work with all players along the infrastructure corridor as it is an important supply chain, with exports from the corridor worth billions to the Queensland economy each year.”

[ENDS] 24 September 2012

Media Contact:  John Wiseman – 3224 4600