The office has been established as OPR commences new drilling programs in preparation for the design and sonstruction of a deepwater port at Oakajee and associated new rail network.
Major environmental and engineering assessments have been completed for the Oakajee project, which will enable iron ore expertors to commission Cape Class vessels and provide a modern rail system linking large iron ore deposits within the broader region.
OPR Chief Executive Officer Christian Eves said the company was pleased to set up the OPR Geraldton office following the execution of a State Development Agreement with the Government of Western Australia on 20 March 2009.
"The Oakajee project is a major undertaking of vital importance to the economic growth of Western Australia, the State's minerals industry and, in particular, the mid-west communities," he said.
Its significance has been underscored by the Western Australian Government's commitment and proposed funding of common use infrastructure components of the Oakajee project.
"Our Geraldton office will provide community members convenient access to information on the port and rail project, and will also serve as a project base for OPR employees, consultants and contractors.
"For this purpose we have based OPR's Environment and Land Access Manager Peter Spalding and Office Manager Carleen Kelly in the new premises, located on Foreshore Drive."
Mr Spalding and Ms Kelly are community points of contact for information on the sizeable development, which is expected to generate thousands of new employment opportunities, particularly during the construction phases.
Mr Eves said OPR would now progress the project's Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS), which would include detailed planning, securing customer agreements and working with potential investors and project partners.
The BFS is expected to see expenditure in excess of $100 million and is scheduled for completion by March 2010.