❓ Mr. Grylls questions the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development about the government's response to high demand for land and housing in Pilbara mining towns. The Minister deflects, citing other ministers and the overall economic boom as reasons for the situation.
AnsweredQoN 787Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Given the minister’s continual boast about fighting for the welfare of regional towns and his opposition to fly in, fly out policies adopted by some north west mining and resource companies, I ask - (1) Why has the minister failed to react to this extreme demand for land and housing in the Pilbara, and in particular in the towns of Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman and Tom Price? (2) Why is it that only 176 new LandCorp lots will be released into the marketplace in Karratha, when project expansions will require huge increases in the work force? (3) Is the minister aware that LandCorp’s web site states that there is no land for sale at all in Newman and Tom Price? (4) How many Homeswest dwellings does the minister’s government propose to construct in the next two years in the north west, and in particular in the towns of Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman and Tom Price? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(4) I am pointing to the ministers to whom the member should have directed his question. I will do my best to read the minds of those ministers. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Did you know, Minister Bowler, that as soon as that LandCorp land is sold, the next stage will be released? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
(1) Why has the minister failed to react to this extreme demand for land and housing in the Pilbara, and in particular in the towns of Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman and Tom Price? (2) Why is it that only 176 new LandCorp lots will be released into the marketplace in Karratha, when project expansions will require huge increases in the work force? (3) Is the minister aware that LandCorp’s web site states that there is no land for sale at all in Newman and Tom Price? (4) How many Homeswest dwellings does the minister’s government propose to construct in the next two years in the north west, and in particular in the towns of Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman and Tom Price? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER replied: (1)-(4) I am pointing to the ministers to whom the member should have directed his question. I will do my best to read the minds of those ministers. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Did you know, Minister Bowler, that as soon as that LandCorp land is sold, the next stage will be released? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
(2) Why is it that only 176 new LandCorp lots will be released into the marketplace in Karratha, when project expansions will require huge increases in the work force? (3) Is the minister aware that LandCorp’s web site states that there is no land for sale at all in Newman and Tom Price? (4) How many Homeswest dwellings does the minister’s government propose to construct in the next two years in the north west, and in particular in the towns of Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman and Tom Price? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER replied: (1)-(4) I am pointing to the ministers to whom the member should have directed his question. I will do my best to read the minds of those ministers. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Did you know, Minister Bowler, that as soon as that LandCorp land is sold, the next stage will be released? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
(3) Is the minister aware that LandCorp’s web site states that there is no land for sale at all in Newman and Tom Price? (4) How many Homeswest dwellings does the minister’s government propose to construct in the next two years in the north west, and in particular in the towns of Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman and Tom Price? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER replied: (1)-(4) I am pointing to the ministers to whom the member should have directed his question. I will do my best to read the minds of those ministers. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Did you know, Minister Bowler, that as soon as that LandCorp land is sold, the next stage will be released? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
(4) How many Homeswest dwellings does the minister’s government propose to construct in the next two years in the north west, and in particular in the towns of Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman and Tom Price? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER replied: (1)-(4) I am pointing to the ministers to whom the member should have directed his question. I will do my best to read the minds of those ministers. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Did you know, Minister Bowler, that as soon as that LandCorp land is sold, the next stage will be released? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
Mr J.J.M. BOWLER replied: (1)-(4) I am pointing to the ministers to whom the member should have directed his question. I will do my best to read the minds of those ministers. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Did you know, Minister Bowler, that as soon as that LandCorp land is sold, the next stage will be released? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
(1)-(4) I am pointing to the ministers to whom the member should have directed his question. I will do my best to read the minds of those ministers. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Did you know, Minister Bowler, that as soon as that LandCorp land is sold, the next stage will be released? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Did you know, Minister Bowler, that as soon as that LandCorp land is sold, the next stage will be released? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
(1) Why has the minister failed to react to this extreme demand for land and housing in the Pilbara, and in particular in the towns of Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman and Tom Price? (2) Why is it that only 176 new LandCorp lots will be released into the marketplace in Karratha, when project expansions will require huge increases in the work force? (3) Is the minister aware that LandCorp’s web site states that there is no land for sale at all in Newman and Tom Price? (4) How many Homeswest dwellings does the minister’s government propose to construct in the next two years in the north west, and in particular in the towns of Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman and Tom Price? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER replied: (1)-(4) I am pointing to the ministers to whom the member should have directed his question. I will do my best to read the minds of those ministers. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Did you know, Minister Bowler, that as soon as that LandCorp land is sold, the next stage will be released? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
(2) Why is it that only 176 new LandCorp lots will be released into the marketplace in Karratha, when project expansions will require huge increases in the work force? (3) Is the minister aware that LandCorp’s web site states that there is no land for sale at all in Newman and Tom Price? (4) How many Homeswest dwellings does the minister’s government propose to construct in the next two years in the north west, and in particular in the towns of Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman and Tom Price? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER replied: (1)-(4) I am pointing to the ministers to whom the member should have directed his question. I will do my best to read the minds of those ministers. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Did you know, Minister Bowler, that as soon as that LandCorp land is sold, the next stage will be released? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
(3) Is the minister aware that LandCorp’s web site states that there is no land for sale at all in Newman and Tom Price? (4) How many Homeswest dwellings does the minister’s government propose to construct in the next two years in the north west, and in particular in the towns of Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman and Tom Price? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER replied: (1)-(4) I am pointing to the ministers to whom the member should have directed his question. I will do my best to read the minds of those ministers. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Did you know, Minister Bowler, that as soon as that LandCorp land is sold, the next stage will be released? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
(4) How many Homeswest dwellings does the minister’s government propose to construct in the next two years in the north west, and in particular in the towns of Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman and Tom Price? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER replied: (1)-(4) I am pointing to the ministers to whom the member should have directed his question. I will do my best to read the minds of those ministers. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Did you know, Minister Bowler, that as soon as that LandCorp land is sold, the next stage will be released? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
Mr J.J.M. BOWLER replied: (1)-(4) I am pointing to the ministers to whom the member should have directed his question. I will do my best to read the minds of those ministers. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Did you know, Minister Bowler, that as soon as that LandCorp land is sold, the next stage will be released? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
(1)-(4) I am pointing to the ministers to whom the member should have directed his question. I will do my best to read the minds of those ministers. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Did you know, Minister Bowler, that as soon as that LandCorp land is sold, the next stage will be released? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Did you know, Minister Bowler, that as soon as that LandCorp land is sold, the next stage will be released? Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : That is the answer to the first part of the member’s question. Shall I wait for the next answer? It is a serious question and it is a big issue. The fact is that this government has been so proactive in the regions that not one region in Western Australia is not going gang busters, and the member knows that. That is why we need this land. Half an hour ago I had a meeting with people from the member’s area. I think they were from his area - NEWROC. For members who do not know, NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils. I have just had a meeting with those people. They have told me that after decades of population decline in the area, the population has stabilised. It is not going up, but we will start working together to ensure that the population in the wheatbelt goes back up. In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
In answer to the member’s question about the north west, the north west is going through an unprecedented boom. I know that in Newman, which is in my electorate, virtually every house is taken. Some houses are vacant now, but BHP Billiton Ltd has earmarked some houses for staff in the coming months. I know that the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working with BHP to organise land releases in that area. A land release is coming up early in the new year. In Karratha there is an even greater problem. Rents in Karratha have gone through the roof, and this is causing severe stress. Therefore, in the short term we have to have fly in, fly out. Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
Dr G.I. Gallop : I was in Karratha with the local member recently and we announced that there will be some new land releases shortly. Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
Mr J.J.M. BOWLER : We are doing it. The reason for this wonderful demand is this fantastic boom, in not just the north west but every part of Western Australia. I am very proud of how proactive the government is in the regions. I am a country boy; like the Leader of the National Party, I still live in the bush, unlike many members opposite, who represent the bush but do not live there. They live in Perth; I live in the bush and I will be back there on Friday night, as will the Leader of the National Party. I will state a few facts. In the Gallop government’s five years, there have been 29 cabinet visits to the regions. Twice we have taken Parliament to the bush - to Albany and Kalgoorlie, the home town of the member for Kalgoorlie and me, although I am more Boulder. We will take the Parliament to Geraldton next year. I have led the last two regional investment tours, which have resulted in the injection of $205 million into regional Western Australia. Those tours will continue. It almost sends me around the twist, but every measure considered by cabinet must have a regional impact study. If we do something in the central business district of Perth, the Premier still demands a regional impact study. All this has led to a greater focus on regional Western Australia, which has resulted in pressures on land. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure is working on these pressures and I will speak to her to obtain more specific answers to the member’s question. I am sure that the Minister for Housing and Works can provide further information in due course.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.