❓ Question regarding a $100,000 grant awarded to Hutton and Northey Sales under the Regional Grants Scheme, specifically addressing incorrect planning advice and the appropriateness of the funding mechanism. The answer clarifies the situation, identifies involved ministers, and justifies the funding choice.
AnsweredQoN 4010Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the $100,000 awarded to Hutton and Northey Sales under the Regional Grants Scheme and answers given to the additional questions from the Standing Committee on Estimates and Financial Operations at the 2013–2014 Annual Report hearings, and I ask: (a) who gave the incorrect planning advice to Hutton and Northey Sales; (b) how was the advice incorrect; (c) which Ministers discussed the resolution of the issue; (d) what discussions took place; (e) did the Government have a legal obligation to resolve the issue and if so, on what basis; and (f) how was it determined that the Regional Grants Scheme was the most appropriate method to deliver government assistance?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 June 2015
Responded by
Minister for Regional Development
Response time
55 days
(a) Hutton and Northey Sales (in association with Muchea Constructions) applied for and were granted a Building License (BA39-09) by the Shire of Merredin for the construction of a new parts showroom and warehouse at Lot 1313 Mackenzie Crescent, Merredin. Conditions of the Building Licence included #10 "provide a fire hydrant system in accordance with AS2419.1 Part E1.3 of the BCA2009 Volume 2". Given their situation in an industrial area Hutton and Northey incorrectly believed that their water supply would be sufficient to meet these specifications.
(b) Advice was not so much incorrect as not explicit regarding BCA requirements relating to firefighting water specifications.
(c) Minister for Regional Development and Lands, Minister for Water, Minister for Emergency Services.
(d) Discussion of potential options to resolve the issue and reduce risk of future similar issues arising.
(e) No.
(f) Precedent for this sort of funding had been set as the Shire of Ravensthorpe had received support through the Regional Headworks Scheme for a project of similar scope. Following the closure of the Regional Headworks Scheme, headworks assistance was provided as a subset of the Regional Grants Scheme. Funding this project through the Regional Grants Scheme was appropriate and the least cost option for government at the time.
(b) Advice was not so much incorrect as not explicit regarding BCA requirements relating to firefighting water specifications.
(c) Minister for Regional Development and Lands, Minister for Water, Minister for Emergency Services.
(d) Discussion of potential options to resolve the issue and reduce risk of future similar issues arising.
(e) No.
(f) Precedent for this sort of funding had been set as the Shire of Ravensthorpe had received support through the Regional Headworks Scheme for a project of similar scope. Following the closure of the Regional Headworks Scheme, headworks assistance was provided as a subset of the Regional Grants Scheme. Funding this project through the Regional Grants Scheme was appropriate and the least cost option for government at the time.
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