Aurukun community sees opportunities in bauxite offer

2005-09-26

Western Cape York traditional owners in far north Queensland say the State Government should be moving to improve health and education services to allow communities to meet mining job opportunities. The Government has invited international bids to develop the former Pechiney bauxite deposits at Aurukun. Traditional owners say they are happy so far with Government efforts to involve them in the lengthy process to award the resumed mining lease. The Government plans to release expressions of interest documents next month. Aurukun Shire Mayor Neville Pootchemunka says it is time now for the Government to help with the development of an educated and healthy work force. "They have to be more upgraded to where they can carry on to get involved in economic development," he said. Traditional owner Gina Castelaine has reservations about the environmental impacts but says the project will be a lifeline for the Aurukun community. "Its going to hurt to see the country destroyed but my people are dying, there are no opportunities in Aurukun and we need to embrace this opportunity," she said. The Government expects to appoint a preferred developer by July next year.