Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, has today announced that after an extensive whole of government consultation process, the Government has developed a public statement which sets out a process and the considerations which apply to applications to access the Woomera Prohibited Area.

Senator Faulkner said, “Over the past year, there have been several prominent investment proposals affecting resources companies which have an interest in exploiting minerals in the Woomera Prohibited Area.

“The same period has also seen increased interest by resources companies wishing to explore in the Woomera Prohibited Area.

“It is evident that there is a need to provide greater clarity to the resources sector about the considerations which apply to granting access to the area for mineral exploration and mining. Today’s release of the public statement is aimed at providing that clarity”, he said

The Minister also announced that the Government would be examining the future of the Woomera Prohibited Area with a view to maximising its value to the nation for Defence and economic development for the next 20 to 30 years.

“To this end the Government has commissioned a review, led by Dr Allan Hawke, which will consult all interested parties and provide its report to Government by the end of 2010”, Senator Faulkner said.

The public statement released today can be found at http://www.defence.gov.au/header/business.htm