The Queensland Government says it is not in favour of overturning a bauxite mining ban in the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve on Cape York.
Yesterday, miner Cape Alumina expressed its intention of reopening negotiations with the Queensland Government to restart its $1.2 billion Pisolite Hills bauxite project in Cape York.
Moreover, Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney makes it clear that he is not interested in doing any negotiation regarding bauxite mining in the environmentally protected areas of Cape York.
"People that are suggesting this is some sort of deal are living in the past," he said.
"It's about a rigid process, a comprehensive process that gives everyone the confidence that there will be a balance between economic development and conservation values."
Cook MP David Kempton however says he would be glad to support the company in other ways for economic development of Queensland.
"What I've said to Cape Alumina that there's a large bauxite deposit in that region that ought to be utilised for economic return for Queensland," he said.
"If they've got an alternate project or position to put forward I'll be more than happy to take that to the Deputy Premier for consideration," he added.
He feels some changes to the draft Cape York Regional Plan may help in finding a solution.
"I'm confident that when it's finally settled after consultation with the stakeholders, which I imagine would include Cape Alumina, that we'll get a better balance so that where there is a deposit that can feasibly be mined and all the normal environmental protections could be put in place, that should go ahead," he said.
Cape Alumina says it is discussing a revised proposal with the original owners of the property who have been expecting jobs with the mine. The company believes the new proposal to be acceptable to Mrs. Terri Irwin, Steve’s wife and the Government.
MD Graeme Sherlock says the company is willing to compromise to continue with the deal, so that mining can happen at least on 1.5 per cent of the reserve.
"That's definitely what we would ideally like and the traditional owners would like," he said.
"I think there's even more that we can offer to everybody to get a really good, strong outcome," he added.
