That was the decision made at the Tumby Bay District Council budget meeting on Monday night, where the council discussed its position on mining and moved to support mineral shipping from a port near Port Neill.

Mayor Graeme Stirling said a nameless, as yet unused port near Cape Hardy, was among Centrex Metals’ port options for shipping out iron ore from its Wilgerup mine near Lock.

The council discussed at its budget meeting on Monday whether it would support iron ore being shipped from the deep sea port between Port Neill and Tumby Bay – with a unanimous decision to support it, Mr Stirling said.

“If Port Lincoln doesn’t support a new port, we will,” he said.

“Council will assist conditionally in any way we can.”

He said the council discussed the potential effects of having Centrex operate out of the port, with possible employment benefits.

“The effects would probably be very minor, including possibly additional roads.

“We’ve been told there won’t be more than eight to 10 people employed, so there won’t be a major impact, but contractors such as electricians and plumbers could get more work.”

At the meeting on Monday night the budget was also discussed, with plans to ratify the details in August.