Word search Coober Pedy News Vol 3 No 6, September 23, 2009

Page 1

Hawks Nest Hitch

On Friday 18 September Western Plains Resources Ltd (ASX:WPG) announced that it had lodged Miscellaneous Purposes Licence (MPL) applications for the Peculiar Knob infrastructure corridor with Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA). 
The applications cover the Peculiar Knob haul road, Stuart Highway underpass, mine accommodation village and the rail loop/siding and crushing plant which will be located adjacent to the Central Australian Railway.
On grant of the MPLAs and approval by PIRSA of WPG's Mining and Rehabilitation Plan (MARP), which will be lodged shortly, Peculiar Knob will be essentially fully permitted, and ready for development.
An announcement on 28 January 2009 said that development of the infrastructure corridor was approved by the Department of Defence on behalf of the Commonwealth as part of its overall approval of the Peculiar Knob mining operation. As a result, no additional approval is required from the Department of Defence in relation to development of Peculiar Knob. 
On Monday 21 September WPG was in Trading Halt pending an announcement by today at the latest.
This morning the trading halt was lifted following an ASX and Media Release headed, 'Defence purports to veto Hawks Nest magnetite JV with WISCO'.
Cont. page 2

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Page 2 Coober Pedy News    23 September 2009

"Western Plains Resources Ltd announced on 12 June 2009 that it and
Wugang Australian Resources Pty Ltd (WISCO) had executed a set of formal transaction documents pursuant to which WISCO would subscribe for some 12.1 million WPG shares and contribute $45 million to the cost of undertaking a feasibility study to develop WPG's magnetite deposits in EL 4248 at Hawks Nest south of Coober Pedy in South Australia, and in so doing would earn a 50% participating interest in the project (the WISCO Investment).
The Hawks Nest project is located within the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA).
Hawks Nest is some 180 kilometres from the Woomera range head near the
Woomera township and more than 800 kilometres from the Pine Gap communications station west of Alice Springs. WPG purchased the Hawks Nest tenement from SASE Pty Ltd in 2006, and has carried out exploration programs there for the last three years in accordance with the requirements of South Australian mining legislation and exploration access agreements with the Department of Defence (Defence)."


The following statements have been taken from the WPG Release:
WPG's advisors received a letter from the Department of Defence late on
Friday 18 September 2009. In it, Defence officials state that Defence will not support an application by WISCO to the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) for approval of the WISCO Investment.
The content of the letter is an abrogation of undertakings by Defence officials to continue discussions with WPG, the latest undertaking having been at a meeting on 26 August, and reaffirmed in subsequent telephone discussions.
The letter is therefore not only a surprise to WPG, but WPG understand from
discussions, also to the South Australian government, Department of Primary
Resources and Industry (PIRSA) and the federal Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. Defence and other Commonwealth departments and agencies had been engaged in a series of productive meetings over the last few weeks that were designed to identify and mitigate Defence's concerns regarding the WISCO Investment and satisfy Defence's stated policy that the exploration, mining and defence industries could co-exist within the WPA, providing the overarching issue relating to national security was not compromised. These discussions and negotiations were progressing constructively, and further meetings had been agreed.
In WPG's view, there was a strong expectation that the outcome of this process would lead to a solution that would be acceptable to all parties.
Specific comments on key issues set out in Defence's letter
The letter appears to reject the WISCO Investment on safety, operational and
national security issues. WPG's comments on these points are as follows:
(a) Safety issues
The Hawks Nest tenement straddles the Stuart Highway, (Cont. page 3)

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Page 3 Coober Pedy News    23 September 2009

the main road from Adelaide and other southern cities, to Darwin. There are hundreds of vehicle movements each day on this road. Traffic on the highway can be seen from Hawks Nest. Because of its physical proximity to the highway, WPG does not believe that Defence would deliberately schedule weapons trials in the Hawks Nest area because of the possibility of such tests causing harm or inconvenience to persons legitimately using the highway.
WPG recognises that there is potential for a rogue weapon to behave erratically.
WPG believes the chances of an out-of-control weapon causing harm to its personnel or assets at Hawks Nest are statistically immaterially different to the chances of such a weapon causing harm to civilian traffic on the highway. Therefore, it seems likely that Defence would take very specific measures to prevent accidents in this area.
To the best of WPG's knowledge, Defence has never closed the highway while its tests are carried out. Likewise, it has never closed the Central Australian Railway, on which the iconic passenger train The Ghan runs twice weekly, and on which, ironically, freight trains that service, amongst other users, South Australia's mining industry, travel more frequently.
WPG believes that the safety issues raised by Defence could be easily managed by the implementation of appropriate and simple protocols.
The WPA covers some 127,000 square kilometres, which is about the same size as England. The footprint of a likely magnetite project at Hawks Nest would be about 10 square kilometres, including the infrastructure corridor. WPG has difficulty in understanding why Defence considers such a small area in the vast extent of the WPA would cause it to be concerned about its own operational issues.
WPG cannot move the location of its orebodies but if the result of the feasibility study was to lead to project development, WPG could move the location of its infrastructure such as haul roads, the concentrator and rail loading facility etc to less sensitive areas within the WPA. It has undertaken to do so if requested by Defence, and it has undertaken to house its personnel at the Peculiar Knob accommodation village, the location of which has already been approved by Defence.
In addition, WPG has agreed, should the result of the feasibility study lead to project development, to implement a campaign mining strategy at Hawks Nest, with run-ofmine ore stockpiles to be maintained at the remote concentrator site so that processing could continue while mining activities are halted temporarily when Defence's weapons tests are active.
The Company is confident that it could accommodate Defence's reasonable requests to evacuate the site while tests are carried out. WPG is therefore surprised that safety and operational reasons have been cited in the letter, based on recent discussions with Defence officials who have indicated that these particular issues could be satisfactorily resolved, were the result of the feasibility study to lead to project development.
Why has exploration and mining tenure been singled out?
The WPA is a 'prohibited area' prescribed pursuant to the Defence Regulations and its boundaries have changed over time. Currently, multiple users have access to the WPA for a variety of purposes:
o Pastoralists hold long term leases, running livestock and significant operations with itinerant workers
o Tourists and travellers pass through the WPA via the Stuart Highway and the Central Australian Railway
o Opal miners and prospectors mine and fossick for opal within the WPA
o Native title claimant groups have regular access to the WPA and, on final determination of relevant claims, will hold actual Native Title over essentially all of the WPA, with attendant rights of access.
Governance
WPG notes that the signatory to Defence's letter is an executive in the Property Services Division of Defence's Defence Support Group, and that the decision has been informed by considerations by relevant Defence officers.
WPG does not doubt the competence and integrity of these executives and military personnel. But it would seem to be an appalling approach to governance if the Commonwealth is prepared to devolve decisions that touch on Australia's foreign investment policy, foreign relations, Commonwealth-State relations, and its international investment reputation on unelected and unaccountable executives and military officers without seeking perhaps counterbalancing input from other groups within government that are responsible for managing the country's economic, trade and foreign policies.
WPG's response to Defence's letter
WPG believes that Defence's decision is a gross overreaction to the issues that may be of legitimate concern to Defence, and that Defence's concerns are capable of being resolved by renewed constructive dialogue between the parties acting in good faith.
WPG further believes that the Commonwealth should take into account a broader range of issues than those identified by Defence. National economic development, job creation, Commonwealth and State revenues, security of mining tenure, foreign policy and foreign investment, are all issues that should be weighed by the Commonwealth.
WPG has sought to mutually agree with WISCO an extension of time to the conditions (Cont. page 4)

Page 4 Coober Pedy News    23 September 2009

Hawks Nest Hitch 
(Cont. from page 3
precedent period within the relevant transaction documents, in order to further pursue this matter with the Commonwealth. Amongst other things, WPG will strongly advocate that WISCO proceed to lodge its FIRB application forthwith in order to obtain a whole-of-government decision on its proposed investment.
WPG intends to continue to take whatever actions it can to preserve the value of its shareholders interests in this project.

Daylight Saving
Following the April 2009 decision by the SA Government, the daylight saving period in South Australia is from the first Sunday in October each year until the first Sunday in April the following year, on an ongoing basis. On Sunday October 4 put your clocks ahead by one hour.

District Council of Coober Pedy Monthly Meetings
These meetings are open to the public and are held every third Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the council chambers.
The agenda, and minutes of previous meetings, are available for the public to peruse in the council foyer. The Local Government Act requires councils to make the agenda available to the public three days before the meeting, and to make available minutes of a meeting within five days after the meeting is held.
The only time the public are excluded from a monthly meeting is when confidentiality is needed as per Local Government Act regulations. Such exclusion is to be part of the agenda.
It is a policy of the DCCP to allow five minutes per speaker, at 8pm, for addresses to be made to the council. It is not necessary to make prior arrangements to give an address. 
Editor's note: 
Council meeting minutes are not required to include anything but the barest of details. So, on the lighter side, come along every third Tuesday of the month at 7pm for great evening entertainment at the monthly council meeting. At the September meeting you would have got the inside information on such intriguing matters such as why Wally Norton was not given permission to be excused for the rest of the meeting, why the airport doesn't need a water tank, why the ABC doesn't have a replacement office in Daw Road, why Duncan McLaren might be issued with a pair of bikinis, and why The Australian columnist John Pasquarelli's name is mud in Coober Pedy (and elsewhere). See super-sensitive CEO Trevor McLeod keep a watchful eye out for red microphone lights while he is elaborating on agenda items; and watch Mayor Steve Baines play with his new toy and gong errant councilors and staff members.  Below: Agenda folders on the front desk in the DCCP foyer

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Page 5 Coober Pedy News    23 September 2009

Tidbits

From the DCCP September meeting
There were two members of the public present.
Mayor Steve Baines questioned the merits of the council persevering with the Street Sweeper, seeing $12,000 has already been spent on repairs so far.
Cr Alex organ asked Works Manager Mark Hill if there is there a standard for grading of roads - sometimes there is a windrow only left on the side of the road, with no water run-off done with the grader blade and then when it rains the road becomes a watercourse. Mr Hill said that there is a standard, there should be water run-offs made.
In a question without notice Cr Mike Maylin asked, "What's happening with the Greyhound bus?"
(See previous issue of the Coober Pedy News for Mayor Steve Baines' answer and the resultant motion. The next sitting of the SA Environment Resources and Development Court in Adelaide on the matter will be on Monday 28 September.)

Dogs Destroyed in August:15

Olive Grove - Parks and Gardens Report from Ron Lamont

All dead trees have been removed and new holes have been dug and filled with top soil that has been produced with composted lawn clippings, sand, potting mix and slow release fertilizer. Maybe a variety of fruit bearing trees could be planted where possible; this will be discussed with management.
There are now table drains around the perimeter of the olive grove and bollards have been installed at both access points of the walking track to keep all unwanted vehicles out but still retaining full access to the public and visitors on foot only.
New signs have been installed around the olive grove and walking track and the old fence has been removed. The only access point now is the locked gate between the wetlands and the oval.

Regional Community Consultative Council: - Chad Menzies, Far North Economic Development Officer 

Members of the RCCC convened their quarterly meeting in Coober Pedy on the 26 and 27th of August. The RCCC is an independent advisory body which makes recommendations to the Minister for Regional Development on ways in which the government and communities can work together to strengthen the capacity of communities to respond to local issues.
Their visit comprised of a community dinner on the Wednesday evening which enabled members to meet with community stakeholders and discuss the issues of the region. The NRDB presented an overview of several positive aspects occurring in Coober Pedy and provided topics of conversation for the night. The event was well attended and afforded RCCC
members with a valuable insight into the far north community.

More Tidbits next issue

Marree Arabunna Museum & Gallery Faces and Places exhibition opens 6pm Friday September 18

Page 6 Coober Pedy News    23 September 2009

Classifieds

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2- Unfinished solid oregon framed 2 bedroom home Metal cladding,
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Church Meeting Times
Catacomb (Anglican)
Sunday 9.30am
Catholic
Saturday 6.30pm
Sunday 10am
Coober Pedy Revival
Fellowship
Sunday 10.15 am, 7 pm
Wed 7.30 pm
Coober Pedy Brethren
Sunday 10am
Coober Pedy Christian
Home Church
Sunday 3pm
Ph 0417 814 559 or 0408 890 280
Coober Pedy Community
Church - Assembly of God, Paxton Rd
Sunday 10:00 am
Wednesday 7:00 pm
Friday Prayer Meeting: 7:30pm

Scripture

Psalm 24 verse 1 

The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof, and they that dwell therein.

Weather September 15 to 21

Page 7 Coober Pedy News    23 September 2009

Sport

Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Club
Eclectic Round 10
13 September

Mijo takes out the double

It was a great day for a round of golf, around 25 degrees with just enough wind the keep away those pesky flies. 

Today was the last round of the Eclectic and the scores counted towards the winner of the 2009 Eclectic Trophy. Once the scores have been checked and tallied by Peter Lane (our Handicapper) the winner will be announced.

We played another game of fairway ticks today - the person who lands on the fairway the most times with their first tee shot is declared the winner. 

Congratulations to both Mijo and Bev who took out the 1st and 2nd positions. Mijo had a nett score of 68 and 12 Fairway ticks and Bev had a nett score of 71 and 12 Fairway ticks. 

At the end of the season the person with the most Fairway ticks in one day will be presented with a trophy and at present Ljubica Markovic is well in the lead on 14. 

Results:

Nett Score/Fairway Ticks

Mijo Markovic 68/12
Bev Staines 71/12
Kim Kelly 72/5
Robert Newton 72/4
Colin Maclean 73/10
Ray Patek 79/7
Roxene Newton 75/9
Chris Comer 79/8
Bob Martin 79/5
Frank Dunno 82/6
John Ciganek 83/4
James Lewis 84/7

See you on the green sometime soon.

Mijo is happy with his double win

Bev's the runner up in both competions

Preparing the scrape for putting

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