The WA parliamentary question concerns the implementation of EPA Red Book recommendations and the protection of the Waterbank Station area, including James Price Point. The Minister acknowledges past commitments but highlights the need for updated planning and ongoing consultation.

AnsweredQoN 5950Legislative Council
Asked
11 September 2012
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

With regard to the Red Book Status Report on the Implementation of Conservation Reserves for Western Australia (1993), as recommended by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) (1976-1984), I ask —
(1) Is the Minister aware that in 1990 the Government gave a commitment to the implementation of all EPA Red Book recommendations in each system?
(2) Will the Minister uphold this commitment?
(3) If no to (2), why not?
(4) Is the Minister aware that in 1996 the Government acquired Waterbank Station north of Broome, including James Price Point, with the intention of adding it to the Coulomb Point Nature Reserve to create the Dampierland National Park?
(5) Is the Minister further aware that this area is now marked as a 93,000 hectare reserve for conservation and Aboriginal heritage under the Waterbank Structure Plan, a plan endorsed by State Cabinet in 2000?
(6) Will the Government uphold its commitment to protection of the area?
(7) If yes to (6), what is the Government's timeframe and strategy for achieving this outcome?
(8) If no to (6), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
16 October 2012
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health representing the Minister for Environment
Response time
35 days
(1)  Yes, however that was a commitment of the then Labor Government made  over 20 years ago. In many cases, the advice contained within the Red Book recommendations has been superseded and replicated in more up to date planning documents, for example in the metropolitan area through Bush Forever and in regional areas through local planning strategies.
(2)-(3) The Department of Environment and Conservation will continue to implement proposals in accordance with Government priorities. All proposals are subject to consultation with other government agencies and, as required, the resolution of native title and Indigenous land use agreements.
(4) The Minister is aware that in 1996 the government purchased the Waterbank Station pastoral lease.  At the time, the then Lands Minister advised that the purchase would ensure necessary land for Broome's future economic and social growth.
(5) Approximately 30 per cent of the former Waterbank Station pastoral lease (approximately 93,000 hectares from a total area of 315,512 hectares) was recommended by the Waterbank Coordinating Committee to become a reserve for conservation and Aboriginal heritage with opportunities for nature
-
based tourism.
(6)-(8) The Government is committed to pursuing the protection of the conservation and heritage values of the area. Formal reservation will require further consultation and approval within government, and Indigenous land use agreement(s) to be reached with registered native title parties.
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