Number 18/06

BHP Billiton today welcomed the decision by the Federal Treasurer, the Hon. Peter Costello MP, to effectively reject a recommendation by the National Competition Council to declare open access to the company’s Mt Newman railway tracks.

BHP Billiton CEO, Chip Goodyear, said the decision reflected recommendations from the Hilmer Committee and the Prime Minister's Export Infrastructure Taskforce that access declarations be applied “sparingly” and in carefully limited circumstances (which is why Part IIIA of the Trade Practices Act is drafted in a way that requires that the decision maker must be satisfied that all of the criteria are met before infrastructure is declared – that is, any doubt must lead to a decision not to declare).

“BHP Billiton has invested more than $2 billion (in today's dollars) developing our rail line in conjunction with our mine and port operations, as a technologically sophisticated and integrated production process. This investment has been supported by our more than 350,000 shareholders and the millions of people standing behind the superannuation funds. Their support is critical as we look for additional opportunities to expand our activities further.  This decision should help in continuing to retain their support, while also helping to ensure the ongoing integrity and reliability of the system.”

Mr Goodyear also pointed out that a State-based access regime for providing rail haulage services already existed.

“This is a very practical and efficient system that will be much less disruptive to the efficiency of the existing operations. We will continue to work with the Western Australian Government to improve this system further.”

Mr Goodyear said that if any appeal was lodged, the company would continue to vigorously defend its position.

“In the case of an appeal, we are confident that the ultimate outcome will be determined in accordance with Australia's best interests. That is, the railway line will not be declared,” he said.

For further information please contact:

Australia
Samantha Evans, Media Relations
Tel:  +61 3 9609 2898  Mobile: +61 400 693 915
mailto:Samantha.Evans@bhpbilliton.com

Jane Belcher, Investor Relations
Tel:    +61 3 9609 3952  Mobile: +61 417 031 653
mailto:Jane.H.Belcher@bhpbilliton.com

United Kingdom
Mark Lidiard, Investor & Media Relations
Tel:    +44 20 7802 4156  Mobile: +44 7769 934 942
mailto:Mark.T.Lidiard@bhpbilliton.com

Illtud Harri, Media Relations
Tel:  +44 20 7802 4195  Mobile: +44  7920 237 246
mailto:Illtud.Harri@bhpbilliton.com

United States
Tracey Whitehead, Investor & Media Relations
Tel:  US +1 713 599 6100 or +44 20 7802 4031
Mobile: +44 7917 648 093
mailto:Tracey.Whitehead@bhpbilliton.com

South Africa
Alison Gilbert, Investor Relations
Tel:  +27 11 376 2121  UK +44 20 7802 4183
mailto:Alison.Gilbert@bhpbilliton.com