Welcome to the first issue of what we plan to be a quarterly newsletter. Its aim to is to keep you informed about the activities of Minerals West Coast as we work on behalf of the industry and the region.

Many defining developments have occurred during 2005 for MWC. This first newsletter will summarise these and in the future will provide updates to industry and interested parties on a quarterly basis

Please feel encouraged to provide feedback as the intent is for this newsletter to evolve with the industry and times, and be complementary to the MWC Website to be launched in early 2006.

So how has MWC evolved, and what has MWC been up to in 2005? A brief background and chronology of happenings follows. However before this, and in response to the fre-
-quently asked question ‘What is Minerals West Coast ?’a little bit about the organization, and what we are about, is in order.



What is Minerals West Coast?
Minerals West Coast (Trust) is a charitable trust established by the collective efforts of industry and interested parties, with assistance from central and regional agencies, with the intent of growing the industry through a co-ordinated industry/cross sector approach. In effect a collective voice for the industry, with regionally focused aspirations and goals.

Membership and contributions to MWC is open to everyone – no producers, service providers, infrastructure, operators, anyone for that matter, are excluded.

To date MWC has received contributions from some 40 organisations, large and small, who have operations largely within the area encompassed by the West Coast Regional Council’s boundaries. We expect members and contributions to grow in 2006.



The Eight Keys Issues
Eight principal issues have been identified as the key to long term viability of the West Coast minerals industry:

1. access to minerals estate
2. perception and promotion of the industry
3. industry bonding
4. employment skills and training
5. freight transport infrastructure development
6. energy needs
7. sound environmental management and rehabilitation
8. recognising mineral heritage tourism
The success we have in addressing these issues will be determined by the continuing support from community, service, infrastructure and industry sectors to work collaboratively and sincerely together. Only as a collective will we be able to secure investment that will reduce the constraints to growth in a region of small population, yet geographically diverse and widespread

In working to grow the industry in a credible and responsible way, and being mindful that minerals extraction and use is an integral part of modern lifestyles, we also value above all else the regions people. A community who identify strongly with their area, enjoy the lifestyle and value its recreational opportunities and economic potential.

Developments During 2005

• MWC formalized following letters of support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) , the West Coast Development Trust (WCDT)and the industry.
• Project Co-ordinator’s position advertised nationally.
• Legal status and registration as a charitable trust granted 30 March 2005. Trustees appointed.
• Project Co-ordinator appointed for one year contract commencing late June 2005.
  Minerals West Coast Forum held in Greymouth 15 July attended by over 70 people from a wide range of sectors.
• Business Plan completed September 2005.
• Four Trustees meetings held in 2005 - Feb, June, Sept, Dec.
  Industry contributions meet the critical threshold triggering initial drawdown of NZTE and WCDT funds.
• Application for second year funding from NZTE underway.
  
  
  

MWC Profile – Website
We are actively working on raising the profile of the organisation and the industry. Several initiatives are currently underway.

Construction of the MWC website has begun. As well as representing the industry on the Coast the site will include people-focused sections showcasing the region as an attractive destination for employment and a place to live. There is no question that web based information and communications are now a part of everyday business and the launching of the site will be a milestone. Special thanks to the people who have made themselves and their operations available for this project.





Industry Snapshot
It is difficult to advocate on behalf of the industry when we are not always able to accurately convey the current state of play. To this end MWC recently sent out a response form with the request that you make time to tell us what you are doing and what your concerns are. The response rate has not been as high as anticipated. If we are to most effectively represent the Coast’s position to various local, regional and national government bodies it is vital that we have information readily available. We will be contacting you again in the near future.

Keith Brodie Project Co-ordinator

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