After hearing from Port Lincoln mayor Peter Davis, residents, the aquaculture industry, Centrex Metals and government representatives at a meeting last Wednesday, the committee decided to write to Mr Holloway expressing concerns about using an assessment process designed for government projects, for a private project.

Committee member, Greens MLC Mark Parnell also wants the law changed and he plans to move amendments when parliament returns to ensure this process is only used for government projects.

"My fear is that any private infrastructure project supported by the State Government now has a mechanism to avoid normal council planning processing, community appeal rights and environmental scrutiny," he said.

Mr Parnell said Centrex's export application should have been declared a major project and forced to undergo an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process.

The committee will also urge the government to find a better location for ore export facilities outside Port Lincoln.

However while the committee can make recommendations to the minister about the process or the merits of the proposal, it has no power to overturn the export approval decision.

Port Lincoln Residents and Ratepayers Association chairman Glenn Fowler said the association's report "Far From Done and Dusted: Part 1" had played an important part, including the council using it to add weight to councillor Mick Bascombe's motion, which prompted the council to request an Environment, Resources and Development Committee hearing.

The committee also referred to the report during the meeting.

Centrex chief operating officer Kevin Malaxos said the company would respond this week to many of the "erroneous claims and comments" made at the meeting to give the committee accurate information with which to form an opinion.