This was brought up recently...more info here
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16515

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Originally posted by poor relative

This was brought up recently...more info here
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16515

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Howz it goin bud, yeh read that one,

The inside info is, that while there are other proposals for a Port to bring the ore in such as Shark Bay which is closer, the Oakajee option is the most strategic one for the WA Govt, and it is also about securing the long term finaNCIAL viability of Geralton. So no matter how hard we lobby on a tourism front, big industry and mining will win if a decision to go ahead with the mines and build a port goes ahead.

If we could get the sort of public outcry that occurred with Coral Bay then of course people power could win and we should fight hard, but Coral bay has 100's of thousands of tourists from all over the world and Australia visit every year, Oakajee hasn't, it gets maybe hundreds or a couple of 1,000 a year of fishermen, and surfers/ksurfers/wsurfers, that isn't enough to change Billion dollar decisions?? , and what is percieved as securing the financial viability of geralton into the long term future?

Although that doesn't mean some people shouldn't fight hard to have it stopped, go for it!!!!!

There was an unsubstantiated rumour that some drilling was performed recently at oakajee and some expensive drill bits were broken indicating the possibility of a granite seabed floor, which might make it extremely expensive or unfeasible, but as I said just rumour or wishful thinking??

The Geralton Windsurfing Club is doing it's own lobbying, based on it's own agenda, it's their backyard. Do we do something here?? If no interest I'll do my own personal submission, and Pugwash and I can sign it?

I work at the port in good old Bunno. Why dont they send it down our way to ship out. We currently handle cargo from Gero way cause they dont wont contamination with other products. This stuff is trucked all the way down here.
We get bu**er all wind down here anyway and our port can deal with the amount of cargo they are talking about.
I look forward to my annual pilgramiges to the finer windsurf areas up north and they seek to ruin my and my fellow wind lovers joys in life. All those in favour?

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Originally posted by exoman

Why dont they send it down our way to ship out.

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I think the argument would go - It is not economically viable to transport large tonnage products that far... The idea of alternative options is on the right track though... Option 1: Port at Spot X. Option 2: No port. Option 3: Port somewhere else

I had a really good chat with Tim from GSpot. He brought up some real interesting points about the spot. There was another bloke there who also knew what he was talking about. Maybe we could hear some of their thoughts on this?
Hardie, great idea, I'm willing to support it. Its awesome you have the initiative. Just let me know where and what I need to sign or do.

It is not only a WA recognised spot, Geralton is famous world wide. It might be worth noting the amount of tourist dollars that would be lost as a result of this lunacy. Pollies think in terms of money so it might help.

Here is an example draft, feel free to copy and add/subract as you like??


Hon A. MacTiernan
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Management 13th Floor


Another copy needs to go to:

Shire of Chapman Valley
Coastal Management Plan

Dear Sir/Madam,

RE: Proposed Port at Oakajee

I/We am/are writing to express my/our deep concern about the port being proposed for the Oakajee river site.


My/Our concerns are as follows:

• The destruction of unique surfing and fishing reefs
• The size and extent of the port’s breakwater which extends 2 km out to sea, and it’s effect on sand drift, and beach erosion for beaches such as Coronation, and Horrocks.
• The possible effects on swell to northern beaches
• The visual impact on the coast
• The future reduced recreational tourism (including fishing, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing) to Geralton
• The changed demography for Geralton from rural/fishing recreational tourism town, to a more heavy industry based town.

If this project were to go ahead despite significant objections, that compensation for the destruction of Oakajee reef, and the effects of sand drift to northern beaches be implemented in the future plans, a suggestion follows:

• That an artificial reef of world significance be constructed south of the Oakajee Port project.
• That sand be pumped to northern beaches
• That adequate access to the port be made available for fishing pursuits

Without these minor compensations for the destruction of this world significant surfing area I/we will change our voting behaviour at all levels of elections, and future tourism holidays will be spent at places other than Geralton.

Yours faithfully,

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