Hon Don Punch MLA, Minister for Regional Development visited Kalgoorlie-Boulder on Wednesday 31 May 2023. During the visit, the Minister to meet with key agency and industry stakeholders to better understand the challenges and opportunities in the Goldfields.
Minister Punch’s visit was a great opportunity for GEDC Kalgoorlie based staff and Board members to meet with him to discuss his vision and priorities for regional development. While in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Minister was keen to visit key strategic projects and undertook a tour of the Lynas Rare Earth Processing Facility currently being developed on the outskirts of the City. The current target date for feed-on at the Kalgoorlie facility is Q4 2023 with the first material from the Kalgoorlie refinery expected to be delivered to Lynas’ Malaysia plant in August 2023.
The Minister, who holds the Disability Services portfolio also dropped into the EPIC Canteen for a coffee and enjoyed a chat with some of the trainees. The canteen which opened in March 2023, aims to support people with disabilities to build hospitality skills and secure employment.
The visit also incorporated meetings with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Mayor, John Bowler and CEO, Andrew Brien as well as the Shire of Coolgardie Shire President, Cr Malcolm Cullen and CEO, James Trail. The meetings included discussions on key projects, skilled regional workforce issues as well as industrial land and residential housing considerations.