MINTABIE MINERS’ PROGRESS ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED

To the Opal Mining Fraternity,

The MMPA, on behalf of the people of Mintabie, thanks you for your interest and consideration of our current situation. We are happy to provide you with this brief update. 

The MMPA has been advised  that it is unlikely The APY (Mintabie) Amendment Bill 2008 will be introduced in this S.A. Parliamentary session, making February 2009 as the next most likely opportunity.

With the new APY Executive Board in the process of being elected it appears that the Mintabie Township Lease Agreement (MTLA) Negotiation Meeting planned for late November has been rightly postponed. 

There is an expectation within the MMPA that the Amendment Bill would not be introduced until after this next Lease Negotiation Meeting which may be the final opportunity to negotiate, through dialogue, for more sustainable changes to certain conditions within The MTLA and more workable provisions within the Amendment Bill. This Meeting is being organised by PIRSA and is represented by all the signatories and SAPOL.

The MMPA has re-iterated its’ request to the Hon. Jay Weatherill MP, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, to allow a period of time for submissions to be made regarding the APY (Mintabie) Amendment Bill 2008.

The MMPA has been encouraged by the support shown to Mintabie during these trying times and is of the opinion that due to this support more common sense decision making will result.

Should anyone wish to discuss this issue in more detail please make contact.

Yours Sincerely,
Kay  Marshall
MMPA President

P.O. Box 74   Mintabie 5724                                                   
ABN 12 937 209 747  Phone/Fax: 08 86705058 
Email: mmpa@mintabieopalfield.com