ASX Announcement

Proponent Selected For Esperance Port Expansion

GWR Group Limited (ASX Code: GWR) welcomes the announcement made earlier today by Transport Minister, Dean Nalder that Yilgarn Esperance Solution (YES) Limited has been named the preferred proponent to develop the Multi-User Iron Ore Export Facility (MUIOF) proposed for Esperance Port.
The YES consortium, led by Asciano, has been chosen to design, build and operate the new Esperance Port Multi- User Iron Ore Export Facility with the proposed expansion set to result in the port's iron ore export capacity almost doubling - from about 11 million to 20 million tonnes per annum. The YES consortium comprises McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd, Asciano Ltd and Marubeni Corporation Ltd.
In his media release, Mr Nalder said that "the companies which make up YES have a proven track record in developing and operating ports in Australia and internationally."
The Minister's approval was based on a recommendation from the board of the Esperance Port Authority following an extensive procurement process undertaken by the MUIOF project team, independent expert engineering, commercial and legal advisers and an independent evaluation panel.
GWR CEO, Craig Ferrier said that "the selection of the proponent is a major milestone for the Esperance Port development and we look forward to working with the YES consortium in the coming months. The establishment of the Esperance MUIOF will offer GWR the opportunity to access a deep water port for the export of our high grade, low impurity, direct shipping iron ore."

- ENDS -
Craig Ferrier - Chief Executive Officer
7 May 2014
Please direct enquiries to:
David Utting
David Utting Corporate
M +61 416 187 462

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