rail, page-7

From this article I would say it is fairly clear that OPR will call the shots,with help from both state and federal government. R&R




Posted 3 hours 56 minutes ago
Updated 51 minutes ago


The government rejects a $2b proposal to built a rail network to the Oakajee Port development. (DPI)

Map: Geraldton 6530
The Premier Colin Barnett has rejected a Chinese-backed company's proposal to build a $2 billion dollar rail network, linking iron ore mines in the Mid-West to the new Oakajee port development.

Last year a Japanese backed company, Oakajee Port and Rail, won the right to negotiate with the government over the development of the new port near Geraldton.

Yesterday Chinese backed Yilgarn Infrastructure revealed a proposed to build a $2 billion rail network to the port.

Yilgarn's proposal includes an option for interim export facilities, which would allow ore to be transported as early as 2011, which is three years earlier than expected under existing plans.

But Mr Barnett has ruled out Yilgarn's proposal, and is standing by his government's decision to partly fund the Oakajee development.

He says ideally one third of the project will be funded using Federal and State Government money.

He says it would be foolish to allow a foreign company to own the mine, the railway, the port and be the customer.