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Port Bonython fuel facility

13 January 2010

The State Government has approved a development application for a $110 million diesel storage and refinery facility at Port Bonython that will help to secure South Australia's fuel supplies.

Minister for Urban Development and Planning Paul Holloway says the two-stage Port Bonython Fuels Ltd development consists of eight fuel storage tanks, a fuel loading facility, a micro-refinery and a pipeline to Port Bonython wharf.

"Port Bonython Fuel's storage and refinery facility will create 20 jobs in the Upper Spencer Gulf during the construction phase and a further 20 jobs once the project goes into operation," Mr Holloway says.

"That is great news for the local economy of Whyalla and builds on the work of the Regional Development Board in the Upper Spencer Gulf in securing new investment for the area.

"This proposal has been assessed by the Development Assessment Commission and I have accepted its recommendation that the project be given conditional approval.

"The 23 conditions imposed on the development ensure that no environmental harm is caused and the appropriate management plans are in place to govern its construction and operation.

"The Environmental Protection Agency undertook an extensive assessment of the proposed storage and refinery facility, including the potential impacts on air, noise and water quality as well as waste, stormwater and spill management.'

Mr Holloway says the Development Assessment Commission took into account the strong cycling community in Whyalla.

"The Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure has provided an assessment that there is no need for a cycleway on the Port Bonython Road based on current and anticipated traffic, but I have requested the Department continues to monitor the need for cycling facilities as traffic use changes."

Mr Holloway says the approval also takes into account requests from the City of Whyalla to ensure appropriate environmental conditions are placed on the project.