THE old BHP wharf and Murray Point would be wasted on mineral exports and should be developed for people to live there, according to a concerned group of Port Lincoln residents.
This group has formed a working party to establish a Community Action Group against the use of the old BHP facility at Proper Bay for the shipping of ore.
Working party spokesperson Ross Haldane said the site was “the jewel in Port Lincoln’s crown” and would be wasted on mineral exports.
He said the area was the logical choice to expand the city and would make beautiful coastal living.
Working party spokesperson Gyn Hyde said the action group was not opposed to the mining of iron ore on Eyre Peninsula.
“Its aim is to put forward a plan for more appropriate development of the proposed site and will work with the appointed community consultative group.”
Mrs Hyde said the fishing industry had voiced its concerns but the action group would focus on land-based issues, particularly alternative use of the land, environment, traffic, and lack of infrastructure.
“We didn’t want to just say no shipping, get out,” Mrs Hyde said.
“The idea is to give the council an alternative.”
Murray Point, including the old BHP wharf, is zoned deferred development and council chief executive officer Geoff Dodd said there was no proposal for the council to look at rezoning Murray Point at the moment.
But mayor Peter Davis wants the council to investigate rezoning the land for residential use.
Mr Dodd said the council had undertaken a study to identify areas for future residential expansion of the city but Murray Point had not been included.
He said the areas that had been identified would be adequate for growth over the next 25 years but Murray Point could be included if the development plan was amended.
Mr Dodd said any changes to the zone would have to be prompted by industry or a developer.
“We really need to have good foundation and reason for deciding what to do with that location.
“If they’ve got a good suggestion backed up by evidence of necessity I’m sure the council will look at it or at least take it into account.”
The Community Action Group working party will hold an open meeting next Wednesday for concerned residents to attend and assist the campaign.
From the meeting a small group of people will be nominated to act as spokespeople for the Community Action Group at future meetings and consultations.
The meeting will be held in the TafeSA lecture theatre on Wednesday at 7.30pm.