OPR was established in September 2007 to pursue a joint venture between Murchison Metals Ltd and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd.
It is seeking the right to design, develop, construct and operate a new port business to transport iron ore from mines in the mid-west region to a new deepwater port to be built at Oakajee, north of Geraldton.
OPR Chief Executive Officer Christopher Eves said today that the partnership with the Fremantle Football Club symbolised the company’s commitment to Western Australia.
“Whilst we plan to build a port to help underpin the future development of the mid-west and enable the mining industry to expand, the essential ingredient in making the project a true success is a commitment to people and to community,” said Mr Eves.
“Our credentials are strong with the backing of Murchison Metals and Mitsubishi, and we are here for the long haul.
“We have decided to make ourselves known to the community upfront and we want people to understand that we are committed.
“You will be in safe hands if you back us on this project to build the new port at Oakajee, to build up the mid-west, and promote jobs, growth and prosperity.
“Our partnership with the Fremantle will directly support the club as well as development activities for up coming players in the mid-west.
“Being hopeful port owners, we are pleased to have the Fremantle Football Club on our team; after all, port is our middle name.”
Fremantle Chief Executive Officer Cameron Schwab welcomed Oakajee Port and Rail to the team saying that “it was terrific to have an organisation as dynamic and community focused as Oakajee Port and Rail supporting Fremantle”.
“We are enormously proud that Oakajee Port and Rail has chosen to partner with Fremantle to assist with their new ventures in Western Australia,” said Mr Schwab.
“OPR is committed to the development of the State and especially in the mid-west region.
“With the current port and rail facilities in Geraldton operating at near-capacity, their desire to continue the development of the local infrastructure network will benefit the community immensely and we are pleased to be able to work with them to achieve that goal.
“OPR’s community focus on how they operate their business is similar to our club’s high community focus and that serves as a great partnership between us.
“Paul Hasleby, himself a local from the mid-west, will be assisting OPR with their community activities and the bid to build, construct and operate the new port facilities in Geraldton,” Mr Schwab said.
