04/12/06 – WEST FIELD CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM LAUNCHED

After seven years of planning, International Power’s Rivers and Roads Relocation (RRR) program gets under way today.

As a key part of IPRH’s West Field Mine development project, the RRR program will allow access to coal reserves within the company’s approved licence area.

Recently appointed construction alliance contractor, RTL, will construct a new section of Strzelecki Highway over the next 18 months and create a new 11 kilometre riverine style diversion of the Morwell River.

They will also significantly upgrade the Yinnar / Driffield road, improving community safety and providing for over dimensional traffic.

International Power Australia Managing Director, Mr Tony Concannon, “turned the first sod” for the river diversion works at an official launch of construction work today.

“Today’s launch is the culmination of a seven-year planning and approvals process. It has been a mammoth task and I would like to acknowledge the work of CEOs Graeme York and Dave Quinn for their leadership during this time,” he said.

Mr Concannon also thanked the West Field Project team for their hard work and dedication. “It’s been a task that has required the combined skills of engineering know-how, financial management, diplomacy and incredible patience.”

IPRH Chief Executive, Graeme York, also acknowledged the significance of the official launch. “The West Field project has attracted a huge amount of public support and I’d like to thank the local community for their contribution,” Graeme said.

“It’s been very reassuring that the majority of people in this region appreciate our efforts to consult with them in a meaningful way, and indeed, to support our plans to relocate the roads and turn the Morwell river back into a natural riverine ecosystem.”

Mr Concannon and Mr York were joined at the official launch by representatives from alliance partners and organisations who worked closely with IPRH in the planning and approval process.

With construction works beginning, the public are advised to exercise care when travelling in the vicinity. A number of local roads will be closed to traffic from today.

A Hotline 1300 793 783 is available for all public enquiries on road closures.