Shire boss holds hope for Sheffield sand project

The Shire of Derby-West Kimberley president Geoff Haerewa said he “hopes” a company’s proposal to mine mineral sands at a site on the Dampier Peninsula is granted native title approval, for the benefits it would bring the town.

Sheffield Resources representatives met with the Shire president and the Derby-West Kimberley Shire Councillast fortnight to give an update on the Thunderbird project, between Broome and Derby.

The company informed the Shire of the steps as it neared construction, and gave an update on sales agreements and the progress of its native title approval.

Sheffield also met with Derby’s business community and introduced them to participants of the Work Ready Program, which has sourced trainees from the town’s Winun Ngari Aboriginal Corporation.

Mr Haerewa said the Shire supported Sheffield and hoped it went ahead.

“The Thunderbird project would really be of benefit to the Derby community,” he said.

“There are opportunities for employment, but at this stage we are just waiting for the appeal process to happen.”