❓ Question on Notice regarding the South West Yarragadee Aquifer development proposal and the Minister's decision-making process, highlighting concerns raised by the Conservation Commission. The Minister deflects, stating the matter is before the EPA and criticizes the questioner's understanding of the process.
AnsweredQoN 776Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
SOUTH WEST YARRAGADEE AQUIFER
I refer to the Conservation Commission’s 2005-06 annual report, which states in relation to the south west Yarragadee aquifer - The Conservation Commission concluded that the development had the potential to cause extensive unacceptable and unmanageable impacts on: State forest; old-growth forest; the comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system; and rare and priority flora and fauna. It also states - The Conservation Commission recommended that the proposal not proceed. Is it too much to ask that in the final environmental decision the minister take advice from people who have far greater knowledge of environmental issues than himself, especially those in his own department? Mr M. McGOWAN
I refer to the Conservation Commission’s 2005-06 annual report, which states in relation to the south west Yarragadee aquifer - The Conservation Commission concluded that the development had the potential to cause extensive unacceptable and unmanageable impacts on: State forest; old-growth forest; the comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system; and rare and priority flora and fauna. It also states - The Conservation Commission recommended that the proposal not proceed. Is it too much to ask that in the final environmental decision the minister take advice from people who have far greater knowledge of environmental issues than himself, especially those in his own department? Mr M. McGOWAN
AnswerView source ↗
The member for Capel obviously does not understand the process too well. A proposal is currently before the Environmental Protection Authority. The EPA will present a report to me in due course and it will take into account the best environmental advice. I will await that report before making any comment. To come into Parliament and demand an answer on something that is already in process clearly shows a lack of understanding of the way the state works.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: The member for Capel obviously does not understand the process too well. A proposal is currently before the Environmental Protection Authority. The EPA will present a report to me in due course and it will take into account the best environmental advice. I will await that report before making any comment. To come into Parliament and demand an answer on something that is already in process clearly shows a lack of understanding of the way the state works.
The member for Capel obviously does not understand the process too well. A proposal is currently before the Environmental Protection Authority. The EPA will present a report to me in due course and it will take into account the best environmental advice. I will await that report before making any comment. To come into Parliament and demand an answer on something that is already in process clearly shows a lack of understanding of the way the state works.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: The member for Capel obviously does not understand the process too well. A proposal is currently before the Environmental Protection Authority. The EPA will present a report to me in due course and it will take into account the best environmental advice. I will await that report before making any comment. To come into Parliament and demand an answer on something that is already in process clearly shows a lack of understanding of the way the state works.
The member for Capel obviously does not understand the process too well. A proposal is currently before the Environmental Protection Authority. The EPA will present a report to me in due course and it will take into account the best environmental advice. I will await that report before making any comment. To come into Parliament and demand an answer on something that is already in process clearly shows a lack of understanding of the way the state works.
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