Indigenous employment is set to receive a boost in Queensland with the development of a new bauxite mine.
The Newman government opened an expressions of interest (EOI) process to find organisations with the experience, capability and capacity to develop an Aurukun bauxite resource at Cape York.
Jeff Seeney, deputy premier and minister for state development, said the government’s main aim is secure the maximum benefits for the Aurukun community.
The project has drawn strong interest both domestically and from overseas, the politician explained.
Mr Seeney has met with the mayor of Aurukun Shire Council Derek Walpo, councillors and the directors of the Ngan Aak Kunch Aboriginal Corporation – the latter of which represents the native title holders the Wik and Wik Way people.
“They have voiced their strong support for development of the resource, knowing it will mean jobs, better infrastructure and flow-on benefits through the many business enterprises that could be established to service the mine,” the minister stated.
According to the government, it is seeking interest from companies that have a record of working with indigenous communities, as well as the financial capabilities to meet the scale of the project.
Prospective parties must lodge their applications by February 15 2013, with a winning bidder to be chosen by the end of next year.
