Question addresses the nutriment status of Wilson Inlet, a proposal to dredge a channel, and community concerns about unsightliness and odour problems at Poddy Shot Point. The Minister's response focuses on long-term nutrient reduction and short-term mitigation measures.

AnsweredQoN 1740Legislative Assembly
Asked
18 April 2002
Portfolio
the Environment and Heritage

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Will the Minister advise the current nutriment status of Wilson Inlet?
(2) Why does the Government not support the Wilson Inlet Restoration Group’s proposal to dredge a channel to increase the salt-water exchange and flushing effect in the inlet?
(3) How will the Minister address the community’s concerns about the unsightliness and odour problems that are evident around Poddy Shot Point, which is an acknowledged popular local recreational area?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
14 May 2002
Responded by
Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Response time
26 days
(2) The Wilson Inlet Restoration Group's proposal for dredging is not supported by the Water and Rivers Commission and was not supported by the former Wilson Inlet Management Authority. Research indicates the only long term solution to Wilson Inlet's problems is in reducing nutrients entering the Inlet. Modelling shows the Wilson Inlet Restoration Group's dredged channel will not significantly increase nutrient loss from the Inlet. Increased water exchange can be more effectively achieved through minor dredging of existing channels. This option has been put to the group. (3) The long term solution to rotting algae and aquatic plants at Poddy Shot requires the reduction of nutrients into the Inlet. The Water and Rivers Commission is working with local stakeholders in prioritising and implementing measures to achieve this goal. An Action Plan is being prepared itemising these measures. In the short term the Water and Rivers Commission will be advising the Shire of Denmark to encourage the use of alternative boat launching sites at certain times of the year, and to collect washed up algae should this prove a health issue.
(3) The long term solution to rotting algae and aquatic plants at Poddy Shot requires the reduction of nutrients into the Inlet. The Water and Rivers Commission is working with local stakeholders in prioritising and implementing measures to achieve this goal. An Action Plan is being prepared itemising these measures. In the short term the Water and Rivers Commission will be advising the Shire of Denmark to encourage the use of alternative boat launching sites at certain times of the year, and to collect washed up algae should this prove a health issue.
In the short term the Water and Rivers Commission will be advising the Shire of Denmark to encourage the use of alternative boat launching sites at certain times of the year, and to collect washed up algae should this prove a health issue.

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