Media Release - Shire of Derby/West Kimberley and Kimberley Mineral Sands Agreement

Published on Tuesday, 23 August 2022 at 4:33:38 PM

The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley President Geoff Haerewa said that whilst the existing agreement has been in place for several years, the new  agreement provides for a much more sustainable position for the Shire and the Derby Port.

This is undoubtedly a great boon to jobs and economic development for Derby/West Kimberley Cr Haerewa said.

“We look forward to seeing the flow-on benefits to our local businesses that will have the opportunity to contract direct with the Thunderbird mines operations.

“For not only does the new agreement apply widespread economic and employment benefits, but will also — once exports commence — reduce the Shire’s financial contributions at the Derby Port.

“This new agreement includes a doubling of the export charge tonnage rate and also requires Kimberley Mineral Sands to undertake additional
maintenance on the part of the jetty it is leasing.

“This will enable the Shire to potentially reallocate funds previously spent on jetty operation costs to other important community initiatives.

“We are looking forward to exports commencing in 2024 to realise these benefits.”

END