Palaszczuk moves to quell bauxite project concern

The Palaszczuk government will meet traditional owners over last year’s decision to favour Swiss giant Glencore in the development of a bauxite deposit on the western side of Cape York.

Development Minister Anthony Lynham yesterday said he was aware of concerns among some native title holders about the former Newman government’s decision to name Glencore as the preferred proponent for the state-held lease over a joint venture proposal with local Aborigines.

Key Queensland independent MP Billy Gordon and the two Katter Australian Party MPs this week have called on the minority Labor government to review the decision, saying the tender process was flawed. Mr Gordon, the dumped Labor MP who represents the Cape York seat of Cook, has backed Glencore rival Aurukun Bauxite Developments, which promises to give traditional owners a 15 per cent stake in the mine.

Mr Lynham would not commit to an independent review of the Newman government decision but said he was looking at the project. “The Palaszczuk government is prepared to listen to any issues or concerns that traditional owners and others wish to raise in relation to the development of the Aurukun bauxite deposits,’’ he said.

“The Palaszczuk government is keen to see this resource developed for the economic benefits it will generate for the whole state, the local indigenous community of Aurukun, and the traditional owners.’’

Last year, then LNP deputy premier Jeff Seeney said he had concerns that Aurukun’s proposal was not deliverable. The rival bids have split traditional owners, with some backing Aurukun and others supporting Glencore, which is not expected to have the mine operational for at least three years. Glencore said it welcomed Mr Lynham’s decision to travel to Aurukun next month to discuss the project. “Glencore has continued to engage with community members and traditional owners in Aurukun as part of our work to progress the Aurukun Bauxite Project,’’ the company said.