Cape York Weekly FREE – #039 | Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Editor: Matt Nicholls 0477 450 558 | editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au
Rio Tinto dragging its heels on normalisation
No plan for Weipa By MATT NICHOLLS
WEIPA’S future continues to be in limbo as Rio Tinto refuses to make a commitment to hand over the keys to the town. Twelve months ago, a clear path was emerging between Rio Tinto and the state government to forge a way to normalise Weipa. Those discussions have stalled. Meanwhile, Weipa faces a child care shortage, a lack of available housing, huge infrastructure issues and no long-term plan to address any of these problems. The town’s normalisation issue was thrust into the national spotlight on Wednesday when an ABC report aired on breakfast TV that highlighted the situation. Based on the comments posted online, the news shocked most Australians. “Fancy having a mining company run a town. Weipa is much bigger than a mining camp,” one person wrote. Rio Tinto says it is open to the idea of normalisation, but refuses to make any kind of commitment. Deputy Premier Steven Miles is also the state’s Local Government Minister and hasn’t even visited Weipa to discuss the issue. Member for Cook Cythia Lui has also remained silent, despite hearing the concerns from the community during her last visit. Continued – Page 2
ALL SMILES AT WCCCA CELEBRATION
THESE girls from the New Mapoon dance group are among the next generation of Traditional Owners that will benefit from the Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement, signed 20 years ago. The anniversary of the WCCCA was celebrated in style last week, along with the official opening of the Achimbun Administration Centre. Full story and pictures – Pages 5, 12 and 13
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