This came after a question in Parliament by Independent Member for Frome Geoff Brock.

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said Port Pirie is “well placed to prosper” from the mining boom, but failed to tell the House of Assembly why the city had been left out of a Regional and Energy Sector Infrastructure Council consultation report.

Mr Brock asked the Minister why Port Pirie had “not been considered as an option to export mineral commodities” and why it was “not even shown” on a map of proposed infrastructure corridors.

“Let me reassure Mr Brock that, through his hard work, the government is committed to working with the community and industry leaders of Port Pirie to maximise benefits that will flow from the State’s expanding minerals and petroleum industries,” Mr Koutsantonis replied.

“With a skilled workforce and with many sites capable of accommodating key infrastructure requirements, I think Port Pirie’s future is looking very bright.”

He will seek feedback from the community at a consultation session here on March 5 and he encouraged Mr Brock to make a submission.

“If Port Pirie can make a strong case for investment then the consultation session is just the place to do that,” he said. “Port Pirie is well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities from exploration in the Braemar province and the potential for an infrastructure corridor along that region.”

Mr Koutsantonis was full of praise for Mr Brock. This is a sign that the relationship between the Minister and independent member is strong.

“I think the people of Port Pirie are very lucky to have a representative like the Member for Frome who is prepared to take the government on and he has taken us on very, very well.”