The Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade Tom Koutsantonis today released a discussion paper to allow South Australians a voice in guiding future investment in key nation-building projects.

Mr Koutsantonis, who is also Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, said the options canvassed in the paper flow directly from a Resources and Energy Infrastructure Demand Study conducted in 2011 by Parsons Brinkerhoff.

The study was commissioned by South Australia’s Resources and Energy Sector Infrastructure Council (RESIC), to provide advice to the Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE).

DMITRE is leading State Government efforts to build the mineral resources and energy sector; and this consultation is a crucial step in ensuring South Australia is able to meet the demands of the global resources sector.

Feedback on the recommendations outlined in this consultation paper is welcomed and will help to determine how best to support the resources sector and enable future planning and development of infrastructure.

“This study was the first of its kind in Australia and laid out some important information that will be vital to the many stakeholders involved in the growth of our minerals and energy sector,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“Feedback from the consultation process that will follow the paper’s release will enable this Government to be in the best position to work with industry to form a sustainable resources sector.

“We will be using the responses to the discussion paper to make the most appropriate decisions for the long-term benefit of the South Australian community.

“It is important South Australia uses the window of opportunity provided by the strong global demand for our resources to lock in the sort of projects that will build up our capacity to export.

“By attracting developers and investment capital to support local companies, this Department is wellplaced to target the investors required to deliver the mega-projects needed within our borders.

“Just as the previous mining booms in this State provided South Australia with a legacy of road, rail and other infrastructure that benefits everyone for years to come, we must use this opportunity to lock in nation-building projects that will last generations."

Feedback can be provided online at: www.dmitre.sa.gov.au/resicconsultation until 26 March 2012. RESIC provides significant support and advice to DMITRE and other South Australian Government agencies, and acts as a conduit between government and the private sector.

07 February 2012