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An agreement to allow Oxiana Pty Ltd to conduct mining operations within the Woomera Protected Area was an industry first, according to local MP Barry Wakelin. The agreement was recently signed by representatives of Oxiana and the Minister of Defence, Brendan Nelson. Federal Member for Grey, Barry Wakelin, said the agreement would allow Oxiana Pty Ltd access to the area’s vast natural resources in a protected defence area. “This Deed of Access, signed by the Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson and Oxiana is the first of its kind, allowing industry access to a defence area for ongoing commercial operations,” Mr Wakelin said. The WPA covers approximately 127,000 square kilometres of South Australia – roughly twice the size of Tasmania – making it the largest land-based test facility in the world. “It’s primary role is as a test and evaluation range for Air Force capability development. It is an essential asset that is being utilised at an increasing rate each year,” Mr Wakelin said. Chairperson of the Woomera Community Board, Stuart Knox, said the announcement was a positive development for Woomera. “This announcement could have a number of benefits for the community of Woomera and we would certainly welcome any Oxiana personnel into the town,” Mr Knox said. “We see the deal between Oxiana and the Department of Defence as a positive outcome for the region and South Australia,” he said. Acting Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal John Blackburn said the WPA was rich in natural resources and could provide significant economic revenue, which the Defence Department would try to facilitate. “The area has potential to provide significant economic revenue due to its reserves of natural resources. Defence is committed to co-existence with industry and this access agreement with Oxiana demonstrates that commitment,” AVM Blackburn said. Oxiana has signed a native title mining agreement with the Antakarinja people for areas that are subject to native title claim. “The open and effective communication between Oxiana and Defence has ensured that the economic value of land in the Woomera area can be exploited without a negative effect to Defence capability,” AVM Blackburn said. Safety of personnel on the WPA has been made a key part of the agreement. During preparation for testing items such as weapons or rockets, a determination will be made of risk level for personnel on the ground, with a clause to ensure the evacuation of Oxiana staff if required. Defence has undertaken extensive environmental studies and consultation with indigenous communities for the Prohibited Area. An Indigenous Heritage Management Plan (IHMP) is being developed to guide the processes for managing Defence’s activities in the Prohibited Area. An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is also being developed for the sustainable management of the Prohibited Area. “Defence looks forward to a successful relationship with Oxiana in the future joint use of the WPA,” AVM Blackburn said.
Phone: 08 8671 2450 Fax: 08 8671 0850 Volume 3, Thursday 20 July, 2006
Above: New Fire Appliance for Woomera Emergency Services
W
oomera Emergency Service ate, and a pleasure to work from,” Mr Hartley both high and low pressure. (WES) is the proud owner of a said. In addition to the water delivery system and He said the new truck was purchased because extending fire fighting capacity is a Rosenbauer new fire engine.
Department of Defence worker Norm Hadgis and Phil Hartley from BAE Systems travelled to Ballarat in Victoria recently to accept the new vehicle from SEMS – the world’s largest fire appliance supplier. The big red truck arrived in Woomera on Sunday, July 1 and has remained at WES pending registration and some minor adjustments to the lockers, before training with SEMS Project Officer Phillip Halson. Department of Defence’s Kym Edwards formally handed the now fully operational appliance to WES on July 12. BAE Systems Phil Hartley said the new truck was a great asset for the community of Woomera. “The appliance is user friendly, easy to oper-
the previous trucks had exceeded their operational ages and needed to be replaced. “Everybody is very happy with the new truck and it’s nice to drive,” he said. The WES cover all of the Woomera township, the rocket range, the Woomera airport and provide back up for the Country Fire Service on the highway if required. Around 70 call-outs are received and handled by the WES every year. The appliance is a Type 2 Heavy pumper (4x2) constructed on an Isuzu FTR 900 cab chassis and seats a crew of six. The appliance is fitted with a 2000 litre water tank and a Rosenbauer NH 40 pump capable of 4000 litres per minute, which is powered by the vehicle’s engine through a split shaft PTO. The pump is a multi pressure type, allowing
high pressure fixed foam proportioning system, with a 200 litre foam tank. The vehicle being a heavy pumper can support the Tech Area and Range E fixed fire pump systems in the event of pump failure as well as provide ample coverage for Woomera and the surrounding area. The pump system and other equipment are the latest in this type of appliance being used in Australia. The vehicle also came equipped with breakapart tools, a telescopic light mast, ground monitor and other pieces of equipment. The lockers are designed with slide out trays as well as slide out steps underneath the vehicle to allow access to equipment in a safe manner with minimal lifting for the operators.
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