Shadow Minister for State Development and Mines Andrew Cripps has welcomed the announcement that Rio Tinto will go ahead with its $2.6 billion investment in a bauxite project, the Amrun mine, on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula.

Mr Cripps said the bauxite mining extension between Weipa and Aurukun had been many years in the planning and development phase, with Coordinator General approval being provided by the former LNP Government back in May 2012.

“The LNP certainly recognised the long term economic benefits this project would bring to Queensland, but particularly to Far North Queensland and Cape York,” he said.

“We also invested more than $1.4 million though our Royalties for the Regions program to help fund critical infrastructure upgrades within the Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council and the Aurukun Shire Council areas, to help prepare these communities for what was then known as the South of Embley project”.

Mr Cripps said the Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council received $1.11 million towards the Napranum industrial/commercial precinct ring road and the Aurukun Shire Council received $378,720 towards the sealing of the Barge Landing to Airport Road.

“We knew these projects would help support jobs associated with this very significant investment by Rio Tinto, which will help Queensland reach its full potential,” he said.

“I commend Rio Tinto for its commitment to this project and look forward to seeing the benefits that will flow through Cape York, Far North Queensland and beyond.”