SA resources sector ticked off about being forgotten in state election

South Australia’s resources sector has voiced its concern over the lack of debate on mining and resources policy in the lead up to the South Australian state election.

In a statement issued today, The South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy (SACOME), said, “Voters would be forgiven for thinking our two major parties have little interest in one of South Australia’s few industries capable of delivering the economic outcomes we urgently need.”

“(SACOME) is concerned that discussions leading up to the South Australian March election including the first televised leaders’ debate this week show a distinct lack of awareness of the importance of our resources sector.

Jonathon Forbes, Acting Chief Executive SACOME, said “Priorities for South Australia surrounding education, health and other social issues can only be funded through a resilient economy. The
resources sector is one of our State’s few real opportunities to provide this, but we’re hearing
little about it from either side of politics.”

Mr Forbes said South Australia’s oil & gas industry is on the cusp of a renaissance and has gained
global attention for its promising gas resources, amidst record breaking exploration and oil
production from the State’s world-class Cooper Basin.

“Minerals are our State’s key export with revenues of $4.3bn, and the industry directly employs over
13,000 people, and thousands more indirectly, whilst supporting a range of South Australian
companies” Mr Forbes said.

“Not only are our minerals and oil & gas industries helping to underpin our State’s economy, we
are right on the cusp of some enormous, world class new projects both in minerals and oil & gas.
If these are able to progress, the effect on our State will be literally transformational,” he said.

SACOME says that investment in infrastructure to enable these projects to proceed must be a top
priority for both sides of politics.

“Enabling this infrastructure will create thousands of jobs in the construction phase, thousands
when the projects come to fruition, plus ongoing jobs and business opportunities in a myriad of
services – whilst contributing millions to South Australia in royalties and taxes,” said Mr Forbes.