potosi mine development may be put on hold

It sounds like the dole payments too high if broken hill residents want to stop their employment prospects:

At last night's local council meeting, an application to truck ore via roads in the city's south was rejected, but an amended motion gave the tick of approval on the proviso an alternative haulage route be built.

Debate surrounding the development has been going on for the best part of a year.

It's estimated building the route will cost some $3 million.

Assistant general manager of Perilya Broken Hill, Bruce Byrne, says the company will now have to reassess the validity of developing their northern operations.

"We've been talking to council. We've always said that we would work with council to develop a proposal and assist wherever we can.

"We'll take it away, we'll take it on board and we'll consider our position following this meeting."

Broken Hill mayor Wincen Cuy is confident the heavy haulage route will be built, not only for this project but for others too.

"We'll be working towards making sure this alternative heavy vehicle route is top priority."

The mayor adds that he's confident that the road can be built in their time line, including getting all necessary approvals.

As for the $3 million price tag? Mayor Cuy says all need to be involved in the process, meaning industry as well as local, state and federal government.

The decision last night was greeted with applause and cheers from a packed public gallery.

Residents of Broken Hill, particularly in the south, were pleased with the outcome on the whole