Exmouth likely to host US space defence base
As reported in The West Australian on October 30 2010.
Australia will become a key partner in the international battle for space supremacy, with WA to host a new multi-million-dollar US defence base to spy on foreign satellites and keep watch on dangerous space junk.
It is understood the base is likely to be built at the top secret Harold E. Holt naval communications station at Exmouth.
The base will play a key role in an emerging Cold War in space. It will have important technology and intelligence spin-offs, putting Australia at the forefront of a battle between nations staking claims for territory in space.
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates is poised to announce the base when he visits Australia with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in early November.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Hugh Edwards Author
BOOK LAUNCH
EXMOUTH....THE REEF, THE RANGE, THE GULF
The latest book by acclaimed West Australian author, adventurer and Australian historian Hugh Edwards was launched in Exmouth on Monday 3rd 2010 at the opening of the new Ross Street Mall and was very well received with over 80 copies sold.
Commissioned by the Exmouth Business Group (EBG), Exmouth The Reef, The Range, The Gulf is Edwards' 32nd book.
Most of Edwards' books deal with ocean themes that stems from his fascination with the sea, both above and below the waves since childhood. The choice of Edwards' to write this book was obvious, he has known the Exmouth area since 1965 as a diver and wreck explorer. After his books on Broome, the East Pilbara and Shark Bay, Edwards' saw this book on Exmouth as a natural progression.
Numerous research trips to Exmouth from his base in Perth sponsored by Skywest Airlines and EBG allowed Edwards' to visit actual places where events occurred and place himself in the shoes of people who made history in their own time.
The town of Exmouth is young by today's standards, established in 1964 to support the nearby United States Naval Communication Station Harold E. Holt. The history of the area around this gem of the Coral Coast located at the tip of the North West Cape though shows that there is more to Exmouth than just swimming with whale sharks between April and July each year.
Edwards' writing and passion for history has led to a number of commissions to research and write regional histories of Western Australia. His particular interest in historic shipwrecks, in the respective roles of author, diver and underwater photographer has seen him recognised by WA Parliament as a primary finder of two Dutch East India shipwrecks, the 1629 Batavia, and the 1727 Zeewyk.
EXMOUTH The Reef, The Range, The Gulf could not have been in better hands.
The book can be purchased from Sharpe & Sons Newsagency on Maidstone Crescent and other various outlets in town.
For more information on Hugh Edwards go to http://hughedwards.hawksnest.info/index.htm
EXMOUTH....THE REEF, THE RANGE, THE GULF
The latest book by acclaimed West Australian author, adventurer and Australian historian Hugh Edwards was launched in Exmouth on Monday 3rd 2010 at the opening of the new Ross Street Mall and was very well received with over 80 copies sold.
Commissioned by the Exmouth Business Group (EBG), Exmouth The Reef, The Range, The Gulf is Edwards' 32nd book.
Most of Edwards' books deal with ocean themes that stems from his fascination with the sea, both above and below the waves since childhood. The choice of Edwards' to write this book was obvious, he has known the Exmouth area since 1965 as a diver and wreck explorer. After his books on Broome, the East Pilbara and Shark Bay, Edwards' saw this book on Exmouth as a natural progression.
Numerous research trips to Exmouth from his base in Perth sponsored by Skywest Airlines and EBG allowed Edwards' to visit actual places where events occurred and place himself in the shoes of people who made history in their own time.
The town of Exmouth is young by today's standards, established in 1964 to support the nearby United States Naval Communication Station Harold E. Holt. The history of the area around this gem of the Coral Coast located at the tip of the North West Cape though shows that there is more to Exmouth than just swimming with whale sharks between April and July each year.
Edwards' writing and passion for history has led to a number of commissions to research and write regional histories of Western Australia. His particular interest in historic shipwrecks, in the respective roles of author, diver and underwater photographer has seen him recognised by WA Parliament as a primary finder of two Dutch East India shipwrecks, the 1629 Batavia, and the 1727 Zeewyk.
EXMOUTH The Reef, The Range, The Gulf could not have been in better hands.
The book can be purchased from Sharpe & Sons Newsagency on Maidstone Crescent and other various outlets in town.
For more information on Hugh Edwards go to http://hughedwards.hawksnest.info/index.htm
Marine Piles
Installation Update - Jetty Piles
Precinct B - Exmouth Marina Village
Since the arrival of the Uni float Jack Up Barge in Early October steady progress has been made on the installation of the 68 jetty piles for Precinct B.
In Canal Arm 5 that runs parallel to Cobia Close and includes the Village Quays Marina, outer piles to all moorings have been completed, with the piles to be cut and the cross brace connection to inner piles installed.
As the pictures indicate, as of of Friday 29th October they are now working in the main canal installing piles to commercial moorings adjoining the footbridge.
Precinct B - Exmouth Marina Village
Since the arrival of the Uni float Jack Up Barge in Early October steady progress has been made on the installation of the 68 jetty piles for Precinct B.
In Canal Arm 5 that runs parallel to Cobia Close and includes the Village Quays Marina, outer piles to all moorings have been completed, with the piles to be cut and the cross brace connection to inner piles installed.
As the pictures indicate, as of of Friday 29th October they are now working in the main canal installing piles to commercial moorings adjoining the footbridge.
Airnorth Executives visit Exmouth WA
At the recent Exmouth CCI meeting held on Wednesday 20th October, executives from Airnorth were in attendance to present information to the members on their company and of their interest and investigation of establishing a flight schedule to connect Exmouth to their existing routes to the Kimberley and Darwin.
Airnorth commenced operations in 1978 initially providing charter aircraft services however steady growth in subsequent years saw the airline commence RPT (Regular Passenger Transport) air services throughout the Northern Territory.
Now the major aviation operator in Northern Australia, Airnorth operates 156 scheduled departures weekly including destinations in Western Australia to the north of Exmouth in the Pilbara and Kimberley.
Qantas currently code share with Airnorth on the Darwin, Kimberley and Pilbara services having formed a corporate alliance in 2001 with inclusion in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, electronic ticketing and baggage checks as well as joint marketing activities.
The introduction of these services combined with the option of direct links from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney into the Pilbara and Kimberley regions will increase the access opportunities to Exmouth.
Airnorth commenced operations in 1978 initially providing charter aircraft services however steady growth in subsequent years saw the airline commence RPT (Regular Passenger Transport) air services throughout the Northern Territory.
Now the major aviation operator in Northern Australia, Airnorth operates 156 scheduled departures weekly including destinations in Western Australia to the north of Exmouth in the Pilbara and Kimberley.
Qantas currently code share with Airnorth on the Darwin, Kimberley and Pilbara services having formed a corporate alliance in 2001 with inclusion in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, electronic ticketing and baggage checks as well as joint marketing activities.
The introduction of these services combined with the option of direct links from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney into the Pilbara and Kimberley regions will increase the access opportunities to Exmouth.
Assured Hotels in Exmouth WA
Assured Hospitality has been keen to develop an 'Assured' property in Exmouth for some time. Their research has identified a market for quality motel style rooms suitable to both the individual corporate traveller, and non family tourists.
Development approval has been granted for 40 studio rooms surrounding a courtyard. A casual bar and restaurant for guests will extend onto the deck overlooking the swimming pool and gardens.
Assured recently settled on their purchase of lot 168 Exmouth Marina Village, on the corner of Murat Road and Horwood Quays.
Sally Kelly, Managing Director of Assured considers the location on the main road at the entrance to town ideal, with the added benefit of being within the Exmouth Marina Village in close proximity to the harbour and the retail and commercial activities to be developed along Horwood Quays.
The project will be known as Assured Marina Studios.
Development approval has been granted for 40 studio rooms surrounding a courtyard. A casual bar and restaurant for guests will extend onto the deck overlooking the swimming pool and gardens.
Assured recently settled on their purchase of lot 168 Exmouth Marina Village, on the corner of Murat Road and Horwood Quays.
Sally Kelly, Managing Director of Assured considers the location on the main road at the entrance to town ideal, with the added benefit of being within the Exmouth Marina Village in close proximity to the harbour and the retail and commercial activities to be developed along Horwood Quays.
The project will be known as Assured Marina Studios.
Qantas visits Exmouth WA
The Exmouth Chamber of Commerce hosted a "Business After Hours" function at the Novotel Ningaloo Resort on Monday 10th May 2010 
with up to 110 people in attendance. Special guests were the Qantas State Manager Mr Ian Gay and Regional Manager of Western Australia Mr Adrian Boys.
The purpose of Qantas' visit was to meet with Exmouth Business, tourism and accommodation operators to discuss opportunities for Qantas to commence flying to Exmouth.
Mr Gay was very excited with the opportunity to put a proposal to State Government to fly to such an iconic but underdeveloped tourist market. Mr Gay said with a deregulated airline service Exmouth could expect significant improvement to service and pricing as has happened in other markets where competition has been introduced.
The plans of Horwood Quays in Precinct B were presented to Mr Boys the following morning detailing how the tourist retail strip would be developed bringing to Exmouth residents and visitors a cosmopolitan village with shops, cafes and bars leading to Landing Park, the main canal and Exmouth's own "Harbour Bridge".
Mr Boys stated, "this is just the thing that a great tourist destination like Exmouth needs."
with up to 110 people in attendance. Special guests were the Qantas State Manager Mr Ian Gay and Regional Manager of Western Australia Mr Adrian Boys.
The purpose of Qantas' visit was to meet with Exmouth Business, tourism and accommodation operators to discuss opportunities for Qantas to commence flying to Exmouth.
Mr Gay was very excited with the opportunity to put a proposal to State Government to fly to such an iconic but underdeveloped tourist market. Mr Gay said with a deregulated airline service Exmouth could expect significant improvement to service and pricing as has happened in other markets where competition has been introduced.
The plans of Horwood Quays in Precinct B were presented to Mr Boys the following morning detailing how the tourist retail strip would be developed bringing to Exmouth residents and visitors a cosmopolitan village with shops, cafes and bars leading to Landing Park, the main canal and Exmouth's own "Harbour Bridge".
Mr Boys stated, "this is just the thing that a great tourist destination like Exmouth needs."
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Marine Supply Base development in Exmouth WA
Ezion Holdings Limited announced recently that its wholly owned subsidiary, Teras Australia Pty Ltd has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement for the lease of a plot of land at a strategic location at the new Exmouth Industrial Area 7km south of town for the development of a marine supply base to support the offshore oil and gas industry in the vicinity.
The marine base is strategically located to support these activities that include the on going Gorgon gas fields, the recently announced Macedon and both the Scarborough and Wheatstone fields in the future.
Engineering and developmental works are to be undertaken for the base which is estimated to be completed in 12 months, after which it will be able to provide its basic load out and lay down services to its customers and will feature a wharf with water depths of up to 6m when fully developed.
The marine base is strategically located to support these activities that include the on going Gorgon gas fields, the recently announced Macedon and both the Scarborough and Wheatstone fields in the future.
Engineering and developmental works are to be undertaken for the base which is estimated to be completed in 12 months, after which it will be able to provide its basic load out and lay down services to its customers and will feature a wharf with water depths of up to 6m when fully developed.
Premier Colin Barnett visits Exmouth
Western Australia Premier Mr Colin Barnett was in Exmouth in July 2010 to meet with the Shire of Exmouth Council and the Exmouth Chamber of Commerce.
In Exmouth at the same time as the Premier were Mr Barry Haase Federal Member for Kalgoorlie, Hon Ken Baston MLC Member for Mining and Pastoral Region and Mr Vincent Catania MLA Member for North West.,
During the visit the Premier attended a frunction at Novotel Ningaloo Resort hosted by the Exmouth Chamber of Commerce.
The Premier addressed Councillors and chamber members before mingling with those in attendance.
Mr Barnett said he was impressed with the level of infrastructure in place which underpinned Exmouth's capacity to absorb the population growth expected as a result of the ramp up of offshore oil and gas industry. During the Premiers visit Chevron announced drilling results which increased the reserves for their Wheatstone project.
The Department of Defence has also called for tenders from people interested in using the Navy Pier facility for
vessels being used by the environmental, construction and service industries associated with the rigs and FPSO's operating to the north and west offshore from Exmouth.
Exmouth is beginning to be used as a base for FIFO employees to other resource ventures in the Pilbara and the oil and gas industry will provide employment and business opportunities on a year round basis which would help alleviate the seasonal nature of the tourist industry.
In Exmouth at the same time as the Premier were Mr Barry Haase Federal Member for Kalgoorlie, Hon Ken Baston MLC Member for Mining and Pastoral Region and Mr Vincent Catania MLA Member for North West.,
During the visit the Premier attended a frunction at Novotel Ningaloo Resort hosted by the Exmouth Chamber of Commerce.
The Premier addressed Councillors and chamber members before mingling with those in attendance.
Mr Barnett said he was impressed with the level of infrastructure in place which underpinned Exmouth's capacity to absorb the population growth expected as a result of the ramp up of offshore oil and gas industry. During the Premiers visit Chevron announced drilling results which increased the reserves for their Wheatstone project.
The Department of Defence has also called for tenders from people interested in using the Navy Pier facility for
vessels being used by the environmental, construction and service industries associated with the rigs and FPSO's operating to the north and west offshore from Exmouth.
Exmouth is beginning to be used as a base for FIFO employees to other resource ventures in the Pilbara and the oil and gas industry will provide employment and business opportunities on a year round basis which would help alleviate the seasonal nature of the tourist industry.
Whale Sharks in Ningaloo Marine Park
Sightings of Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Marine Park Western Australia during the 2010 season has seen the whale shark tour industry in the Exmouth area enjoy its busiest year.
The Ningaloo whale shark season runs from April to July.
Rod Quartermain, Branch Manager of the Department of Environment and Conservation said there had been a 12 per cent increase in passenger numbers since last year and the number of people joining tours to see the whale sharks had almost doubled since 2006.
"In the last five years we have seen a steady growth in number of passengers from 7500 in 2006 to 12,500 last year and more than 14,000 this year," he said.
As reported to Russell Quinn of PerthNow October 18, 2010
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