Seaport plan reaches milestone as Kangaroo Island Plantation Timbers lodges environmental impact statement with State Government
KANGAROO Island Plantation Timbers has reached a major milestone in its plans for a new seaport at Smith Bay, lodging documentation that sets out how it aims to protect the local environment and water quality.
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KANGAROO Island Plantation Timbers has reached a major milestone in its plans for a new seaport at Smith Bay.
The company has lodged its draft environmental impact statement with the State Government, setting out how it aims to protect the local environment and water quality.
The seaport will create 250 jobs and inject $50 million a year into the state’s economy, the company says.
Managing director John Sergeant said the seaport could be built in a way which safeguarded the environment while providing significant advantages to the state.
“We look forward to seeing the island community, and the state of South Australia, benefiting as soon as possible from the production and sale of sustainably grown plantation timber on Kangaroo Island,” Mr Sergeant said.
“We also anticipate advantages to other sectors of the Island’s economy, as a new freight access option is opened.”
The Government has given the development major project status, but Yumbah Aquaculture – the country’s largest abalone producer – opposes the plans for the site next to its farm.
Other environmental and tourism groups are also worried about the plans.
The environmental impact statement will be considered by the State Government, before Planning Minister Stephan Knoll releases it for public consultation.
The company hoped that would happen before Christmas.
Mr Sergeant said his company looked forward to “presenting the facts” about his project.
“We welcome the opportunity to engage with the community and we recommit ourselves to listening … and addressing any concerns wherever we can,” he said.
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