THE State Government Transport Department has asked for the Port Lincoln City Council’s approval to gazette Pine Freezer Road, Greyhound Road and part of Proper Bay Road for triple road trains ready for Centrex’s ore exports.

But the council chose not to make a decision until it had more information about Centrex Metals’ export plans.

The Transport Department wrote to the council for approval after it was approached by Quinn Transport with a request to gazette the roads for use by 37.6-metre triple road trains to transport iron ore from Centrex Metals’ Wilgerup mine.

Councillor, and member of the Centrex Community Consultative Committee, Danny Bartlett said it was premature for the council to approve the request.

He said approving the roads to be gazetted for triple road trains would indicate the council supported mineral exports when it had not yet decided whether to support it or not.

“I think community consultation has to run its course,” Mr Bartlett said.

Pine Freezer Road and Proper Bay Road are gazetted for double road trains and A-B doubles and is the only access for vehicles this size east of the rail line

If the council approves the route to be used by triple road trains the department would request a traffic impact statement to address the changes in the use of the road, increased traffic volumes and the impact on the infrastructure, amenities and the community.

Councillor Mick Bascombe said the council should not give its approval to gazette the roads.

“I am no longer a supporter of Centrex’s proposal in any way, state or form.”

Mr Bascombe said his rethink was triggered by three factors: seeing road gangs washing red dust off white posts at Moonabie Hill; the seafood industry’s concern about ore exports hurting the city’s image; and Western Plains Resources announcing it would export from Darwin if the State Government did not provide a deep water port at Port Gibbon.

“If Western Plains Resources can do it Centrex can too.

“If it’s unviable for Centrex (to export from Darwin) they can leave it in the ground.

“We’re either a clean, green environmental centre of excellence for aquaculture or we’re a filthy, dirty, mining centre and I know which one I prefer.”