• Project expected to create more than 3,300 jobs during construction and 910 jobs once operational
• State Agreement to provide tenure and licence for railway 

The State Government has committed to a State Agreement with the proponents of a new $5.6 billion integrated iron ore development in the Pilbara, facilitating further growth in the resources industry.

Premier Colin Barnett said the Balla Balla Infrastructure Group was planning to construct a new iron ore export facility on the Pilbara coast between Karratha and Port Hedland, with a 162-kilometre railway linking it to iron ore deposits in the central Pilbara.

"This State Agreement includes a requirement for local industry participation and community development plans to be submitted to the Government for approval, maximising the benefits of the project for West Australians," Mr Barnett said.

"While there are still a number of hurdles for the proponent, it's estimated when it gets underway, the project will generate 3,300 jobs during construction and 910 jobs once operational.

"The proposed export facility will use custom-built barges to transfer ore onto ships, reducing costs and environmental impacts."

State Development Minister Bill Marmion said the project showed that despite some economic headwinds, there was still great interest and investment opportunities in the WA resources sector.

"State Agreements provide certainty for business, resulting in longer-term investment and advantages for the West Australian economy through jobs and community benefits," Mr Marmion said. 

Since 2008, WA had climbed to number one in the Annual Fraser Institute Investment Attractiveness Index.

"Western Australia is ranked as the best jurisdiction in the world for mining industry investment - this ranking is the direct result of the State Government providing the right environment to encourage the continued development of our resources industry," Mr Marmion said.

Fact File

• The Department of State Development has facilitated more than $200 billion in projects since 2008
• The new export facility is proposed to be located at Balla Balla, near Whim Creek, on the Pilbara coast 

• Project expected to create more than 3,300 jobs during construction and 910 jobs once operational
• State Agreement to provide tenure and licence for railway 

The State Government has committed to a State Agreement with the proponents of a new $5.6 billion integrated iron ore development in the Pilbara, facilitating further growth in the resources industry.

Premier Colin Barnett said the Balla Balla Infrastructure Group was planning to construct a new iron ore export facility on the Pilbara coast between Karratha and Port Hedland, with a 162-kilometre railway linking it to iron ore deposits in the central Pilbara.

"This State Agreement includes a requirement for local industry participation and community development plans to be submitted to the Government for approval, maximising the benefits of the project for West Australians," Mr Barnett said.

"While there are still a number of hurdles for the proponent, it's estimated when it gets underway, the project will generate 3,300 jobs during construction and 910 jobs once operational.

"The proposed export facility will use custom-built barges to transfer ore onto ships, reducing costs and environmental impacts."

State Development Minister Bill Marmion said the project showed that despite some economic headwinds, there was still great interest and investment opportunities in the WA resources sector.

"State Agreements provide certainty for business, resulting in longer-term investment and advantages for the West Australian economy through jobs and community benefits," Mr Marmion said. 

Since 2008, WA had climbed to number one in the Annual Fraser Institute Investment Attractiveness Index.

"Western Australia is ranked as the best jurisdiction in the world for mining industry investment - this ranking is the direct result of the State Government providing the right environment to encourage the continued development of our resources industry," Mr Marmion said.

Fact File

• The Department of State Development has facilitated more than $200 billion in projects since 2008
• The new export facility is proposed to be located at Balla Balla, near Whim Creek, on the Pilbara coast