❓ Opposition questions the reintroduction of coal burning at Kwinana power station, citing environmental concerns and government mismanagement of electricity supplies. Minister deflects criticism, highlighting previous air quality initiatives and blaming gas supply issues on privatisation.
AnsweredQoN 427Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the minister to her admission in Parliament this morning that the burning of coal for power generation will be reintroduced at Kwinana, despite this practice having ceased following the construction of the Cockburn gas-fired power station. (1) Will the minister confirm whether the cessation of coal burning at Kwinana was a condition of the environmental licence for the Cockburn power station? (2) Will environmental conditions need to be altered to once again allow for the burning of coal at Kwinana? (3) Will the minister confirm that burning coal produces 50 per cent more carbon dioxide than natural gas and significantly greater amounts of acid rain causing sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxides? (4) Does the minister concede that she has sacrificed improvements to air quality in the metropolitan area in a desperate attempt to prevent further fallout from the Government’s woeful handling of electricity supplies in this State? Dr J.M. EDWARDS
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(4) I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition has finally found the environment! I confirm that today I wrote to the Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority and asked that, under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act, it inquire into Western Power’s Cockburn 2 conditions. As I explained to the Leader of the Opposition this morning, Western Power has held discussions with the Department of Environment over the past month about the condition that required it to stop burning coal. Indeed, Western Power has requested that it be allowed to burn both coal and low sulfur oil for a further two-year period, because it is having difficulties in maintaining the continuity of gas supplies. One might ask where the problems in the continuity of gas supplies come from. I am informed by Western Power that, because of some difficulties in getting gas through the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline - I cannot remember when that was privatised - Mr A.D. McRae interjected. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
(1) Will the minister confirm whether the cessation of coal burning at Kwinana was a condition of the environmental licence for the Cockburn power station? (2) Will environmental conditions need to be altered to once again allow for the burning of coal at Kwinana? (3) Will the minister confirm that burning coal produces 50 per cent more carbon dioxide than natural gas and significantly greater amounts of acid rain causing sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxides? (4) Does the minister concede that she has sacrificed improvements to air quality in the metropolitan area in a desperate attempt to prevent further fallout from the Government’s woeful handling of electricity supplies in this State? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(4) I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition has finally found the environment! I confirm that today I wrote to the Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority and asked that, under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act, it inquire into Western Power’s Cockburn 2 conditions. As I explained to the Leader of the Opposition this morning, Western Power has held discussions with the Department of Environment over the past month about the condition that required it to stop burning coal. Indeed, Western Power has requested that it be allowed to burn both coal and low sulfur oil for a further two-year period, because it is having difficulties in maintaining the continuity of gas supplies. One might ask where the problems in the continuity of gas supplies come from. I am informed by Western Power that, because of some difficulties in getting gas through the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline - I cannot remember when that was privatised - Mr A.D. McRae interjected. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
(2) Will environmental conditions need to be altered to once again allow for the burning of coal at Kwinana? (3) Will the minister confirm that burning coal produces 50 per cent more carbon dioxide than natural gas and significantly greater amounts of acid rain causing sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxides? (4) Does the minister concede that she has sacrificed improvements to air quality in the metropolitan area in a desperate attempt to prevent further fallout from the Government’s woeful handling of electricity supplies in this State? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(4) I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition has finally found the environment! I confirm that today I wrote to the Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority and asked that, under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act, it inquire into Western Power’s Cockburn 2 conditions. As I explained to the Leader of the Opposition this morning, Western Power has held discussions with the Department of Environment over the past month about the condition that required it to stop burning coal. Indeed, Western Power has requested that it be allowed to burn both coal and low sulfur oil for a further two-year period, because it is having difficulties in maintaining the continuity of gas supplies. One might ask where the problems in the continuity of gas supplies come from. I am informed by Western Power that, because of some difficulties in getting gas through the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline - I cannot remember when that was privatised - Mr A.D. McRae interjected. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
(3) Will the minister confirm that burning coal produces 50 per cent more carbon dioxide than natural gas and significantly greater amounts of acid rain causing sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxides? (4) Does the minister concede that she has sacrificed improvements to air quality in the metropolitan area in a desperate attempt to prevent further fallout from the Government’s woeful handling of electricity supplies in this State? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(4) I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition has finally found the environment! I confirm that today I wrote to the Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority and asked that, under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act, it inquire into Western Power’s Cockburn 2 conditions. As I explained to the Leader of the Opposition this morning, Western Power has held discussions with the Department of Environment over the past month about the condition that required it to stop burning coal. Indeed, Western Power has requested that it be allowed to burn both coal and low sulfur oil for a further two-year period, because it is having difficulties in maintaining the continuity of gas supplies. One might ask where the problems in the continuity of gas supplies come from. I am informed by Western Power that, because of some difficulties in getting gas through the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline - I cannot remember when that was privatised - Mr A.D. McRae interjected. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
(4) Does the minister concede that she has sacrificed improvements to air quality in the metropolitan area in a desperate attempt to prevent further fallout from the Government’s woeful handling of electricity supplies in this State? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(4) I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition has finally found the environment! I confirm that today I wrote to the Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority and asked that, under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act, it inquire into Western Power’s Cockburn 2 conditions. As I explained to the Leader of the Opposition this morning, Western Power has held discussions with the Department of Environment over the past month about the condition that required it to stop burning coal. Indeed, Western Power has requested that it be allowed to burn both coal and low sulfur oil for a further two-year period, because it is having difficulties in maintaining the continuity of gas supplies. One might ask where the problems in the continuity of gas supplies come from. I am informed by Western Power that, because of some difficulties in getting gas through the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline - I cannot remember when that was privatised - Mr A.D. McRae interjected. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(4) I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition has finally found the environment! I confirm that today I wrote to the Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority and asked that, under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act, it inquire into Western Power’s Cockburn 2 conditions. As I explained to the Leader of the Opposition this morning, Western Power has held discussions with the Department of Environment over the past month about the condition that required it to stop burning coal. Indeed, Western Power has requested that it be allowed to burn both coal and low sulfur oil for a further two-year period, because it is having difficulties in maintaining the continuity of gas supplies. One might ask where the problems in the continuity of gas supplies come from. I am informed by Western Power that, because of some difficulties in getting gas through the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline - I cannot remember when that was privatised - Mr A.D. McRae interjected. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
(1)-(4) I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition has finally found the environment! I confirm that today I wrote to the Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority and asked that, under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act, it inquire into Western Power’s Cockburn 2 conditions. As I explained to the Leader of the Opposition this morning, Western Power has held discussions with the Department of Environment over the past month about the condition that required it to stop burning coal. Indeed, Western Power has requested that it be allowed to burn both coal and low sulfur oil for a further two-year period, because it is having difficulties in maintaining the continuity of gas supplies. One might ask where the problems in the continuity of gas supplies come from. I am informed by Western Power that, because of some difficulties in getting gas through the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline - I cannot remember when that was privatised - Mr A.D. McRae interjected. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
Mr A.D. McRae interjected. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
(1) Will the minister confirm whether the cessation of coal burning at Kwinana was a condition of the environmental licence for the Cockburn power station? (2) Will environmental conditions need to be altered to once again allow for the burning of coal at Kwinana? (3) Will the minister confirm that burning coal produces 50 per cent more carbon dioxide than natural gas and significantly greater amounts of acid rain causing sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxides? (4) Does the minister concede that she has sacrificed improvements to air quality in the metropolitan area in a desperate attempt to prevent further fallout from the Government’s woeful handling of electricity supplies in this State? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(4) I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition has finally found the environment! I confirm that today I wrote to the Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority and asked that, under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act, it inquire into Western Power’s Cockburn 2 conditions. As I explained to the Leader of the Opposition this morning, Western Power has held discussions with the Department of Environment over the past month about the condition that required it to stop burning coal. Indeed, Western Power has requested that it be allowed to burn both coal and low sulfur oil for a further two-year period, because it is having difficulties in maintaining the continuity of gas supplies. One might ask where the problems in the continuity of gas supplies come from. I am informed by Western Power that, because of some difficulties in getting gas through the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline - I cannot remember when that was privatised - Mr A.D. McRae interjected. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
(2) Will environmental conditions need to be altered to once again allow for the burning of coal at Kwinana? (3) Will the minister confirm that burning coal produces 50 per cent more carbon dioxide than natural gas and significantly greater amounts of acid rain causing sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxides? (4) Does the minister concede that she has sacrificed improvements to air quality in the metropolitan area in a desperate attempt to prevent further fallout from the Government’s woeful handling of electricity supplies in this State? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(4) I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition has finally found the environment! I confirm that today I wrote to the Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority and asked that, under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act, it inquire into Western Power’s Cockburn 2 conditions. As I explained to the Leader of the Opposition this morning, Western Power has held discussions with the Department of Environment over the past month about the condition that required it to stop burning coal. Indeed, Western Power has requested that it be allowed to burn both coal and low sulfur oil for a further two-year period, because it is having difficulties in maintaining the continuity of gas supplies. One might ask where the problems in the continuity of gas supplies come from. I am informed by Western Power that, because of some difficulties in getting gas through the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline - I cannot remember when that was privatised - Mr A.D. McRae interjected. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
(3) Will the minister confirm that burning coal produces 50 per cent more carbon dioxide than natural gas and significantly greater amounts of acid rain causing sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxides? (4) Does the minister concede that she has sacrificed improvements to air quality in the metropolitan area in a desperate attempt to prevent further fallout from the Government’s woeful handling of electricity supplies in this State? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(4) I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition has finally found the environment! I confirm that today I wrote to the Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority and asked that, under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act, it inquire into Western Power’s Cockburn 2 conditions. As I explained to the Leader of the Opposition this morning, Western Power has held discussions with the Department of Environment over the past month about the condition that required it to stop burning coal. Indeed, Western Power has requested that it be allowed to burn both coal and low sulfur oil for a further two-year period, because it is having difficulties in maintaining the continuity of gas supplies. One might ask where the problems in the continuity of gas supplies come from. I am informed by Western Power that, because of some difficulties in getting gas through the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline - I cannot remember when that was privatised - Mr A.D. McRae interjected. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
(4) Does the minister concede that she has sacrificed improvements to air quality in the metropolitan area in a desperate attempt to prevent further fallout from the Government’s woeful handling of electricity supplies in this State? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(4) I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition has finally found the environment! I confirm that today I wrote to the Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority and asked that, under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act, it inquire into Western Power’s Cockburn 2 conditions. As I explained to the Leader of the Opposition this morning, Western Power has held discussions with the Department of Environment over the past month about the condition that required it to stop burning coal. Indeed, Western Power has requested that it be allowed to burn both coal and low sulfur oil for a further two-year period, because it is having difficulties in maintaining the continuity of gas supplies. One might ask where the problems in the continuity of gas supplies come from. I am informed by Western Power that, because of some difficulties in getting gas through the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline - I cannot remember when that was privatised - Mr A.D. McRae interjected. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: (1)-(4) I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition has finally found the environment! I confirm that today I wrote to the Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority and asked that, under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act, it inquire into Western Power’s Cockburn 2 conditions. As I explained to the Leader of the Opposition this morning, Western Power has held discussions with the Department of Environment over the past month about the condition that required it to stop burning coal. Indeed, Western Power has requested that it be allowed to burn both coal and low sulfur oil for a further two-year period, because it is having difficulties in maintaining the continuity of gas supplies. One might ask where the problems in the continuity of gas supplies come from. I am informed by Western Power that, because of some difficulties in getting gas through the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline - I cannot remember when that was privatised - Mr A.D. McRae interjected. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
(1)-(4) I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition has finally found the environment! I confirm that today I wrote to the Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority and asked that, under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act, it inquire into Western Power’s Cockburn 2 conditions. As I explained to the Leader of the Opposition this morning, Western Power has held discussions with the Department of Environment over the past month about the condition that required it to stop burning coal. Indeed, Western Power has requested that it be allowed to burn both coal and low sulfur oil for a further two-year period, because it is having difficulties in maintaining the continuity of gas supplies. One might ask where the problems in the continuity of gas supplies come from. I am informed by Western Power that, because of some difficulties in getting gas through the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline - I cannot remember when that was privatised - Mr A.D. McRae interjected. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
Mr A.D. McRae interjected. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Yes, not when we were in government. Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
Mr C.J. Barnett: You are comprising air quality, minister. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: That is an absolute load of nonsense! In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is out of touch. Just yesterday, by chance, the Department of Environment released a report by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd, which, as some members know, is an independent and credible environmental consulting company, that assessed air quality in that area. This is part of two stages that involves drilling down and assessing air quality. The report stated that sulfur dioxide is fine, oxides of nitrogen are fine, and particulates are fine. However, as has already been identified, and as I stated in a media release earlier this year, we need to look at air toxics. We are looking at air toxics in the Duncraig area, which is part of the member for Kingsley’s electorate, and in the Kwinana area. Although they have not received a lot of attention, in recent months I have made a number of announcements about excellent initiatives that we are undertaking to improve air quality. We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
We have initiated a wood heater buy back program that is being undertaken in three local government areas - Melville, Joondalup and Kwinana. I will raise one final point. In Western Australia, air quality studies released exactly a year ago show that Western Australian citizens have lower exposure to air toxics, such as benzene. They are much lower than those experienced by citizens in other cities of Australia. The researchers were puzzled by that. Do members know why that is so? It is because of our fuel standards. WA has the best fuel standards in Australia. The Opposition implemented those standards, and I thank it for that. However, I ask the member for Mitchell whether he still wants those standards turned back. The member for Mitchell has woken up! Our air quality is quite good; however, there is room for improvement. We have announced many initiatives in the past few months that will continue to improve air quality, and further initiatives will be announced later in the year to protect our air quality.
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