Question on Notice regarding Perth's future water supply, questioning the Water Corporation's planning and focus on desalination and south Yarragadee options. The Minister provides details on demand forecasts and alternative water sources.

AnsweredQoN 191Legislative Council
Asked
6 April 2004
Portfolio
Government Enterprises

QuestionView source ↗

I refer the minister to his reference last week to the Water Corporation’s water supply planning horizon spanning over decades. (1) Will the minister confirm that water demand for the south west, including Perth’s water supply, is expected to increase by far more than 45 gigalitres over the coming decades as the population grows? (2) Will the minister indicated what water sources other than the 45 gigalitres from desalination of south Yarragadee does the Water Corporation plan to use to meet the demand growth in excess of 45 gigalitres? (3) Will the minister explain why the desalination and south Yarragadee options, both described as last resort options in the “Perth Water Future Study” because of the cost involved, have become the sole focus of the Water Corporation for the past two years? (4) Will the minister explain why the Water Corporation has not developed detailed plans for developing ground water supplies closer to Perth? (5) Will the minister explain why the Water Corporation has not developed more ground water supplies over the past three years, since they have previously been identified as future water supply sources? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the Leader of the Opposition for some notice of this question. (1) The water demand for the integrated water supply system, including Perth’s water supply, is expected to increase by more than 45 gigalitres over the coming decades as the population grows. The forecast for 2030 is for an increase of between 95 and 130 gigalitres, depending on the efficacy of demand management initiatives. (2) Other water sources that the Water Corporation may use to meet the demand growth are outlined in the state’s water strategy and include surface water from Brunswick River, irrigation water trading and catchment thinning, and ground water schemes at Eglinton, Yanchep and Gingin. (3) The south west Yarragadee and desalination options have not been the sole focus of the Water Corporation for the past two years. They were selected for intensive investigation in preparation for a possible early decision to proceed in the event that the current low streamflow sequence continues and a major new supply is required. The schemes were selected on the basis of their capacity to supply a significant volume of water with a high level of security. (4) The Water Corporation has developed detailed plans for development of the Eglinton and Yanchep ground water schemes. These schemes are considered the most robust for sustainable development close to Perth under the current climatic conditions. Their timing is dependent on land development in the north west corridor. (5) The corporation has developed new ground water schemes at Neerabup, south Whitfords, Lexia and Mirrabooka and has constructed three additional bores into the Yarragadee aquifer. Hon PETER FOSS: Even though I gave more than 24-hours notice of a fairly simple question to the minister representing the Attorney General, he still does not have an answer. I am very disappointed by that, Mr President. I will ask the question if need be, but I have just received a note that tells me that the minister has not approved the answer and could I hold off until tomorrow. It is a question with regard to Martin Rapaera Marks. Hon Nick Griffiths: I have not seen any document relating to it. Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.
(1) Will the minister confirm that water demand for the south west, including Perth’s water supply, is expected to increase by far more than 45 gigalitres over the coming decades as the population grows? (2) Will the minister indicated what water sources other than the 45 gigalitres from desalination of south Yarragadee does the Water Corporation plan to use to meet the demand growth in excess of 45 gigalitres? (3) Will the minister explain why the desalination and south Yarragadee options, both described as last resort options in the “Perth Water Future Study” because of the cost involved, have become the sole focus of the Water Corporation for the past two years? (4) Will the minister explain why the Water Corporation has not developed detailed plans for developing ground water supplies closer to Perth? (5) Will the minister explain why the Water Corporation has not developed more ground water supplies over the past three years, since they have previously been identified as future water supply sources? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for some notice of this question. (1) The water demand for the integrated water supply system, including Perth’s water supply, is expected to increase by more than 45 gigalitres over the coming decades as the population grows. The forecast for 2030 is for an increase of between 95 and 130 gigalitres, depending on the efficacy of demand management initiatives. (2) Other water sources that the Water Corporation may use to meet the demand growth are outlined in the state’s water strategy and include surface water from Brunswick River, irrigation water trading and catchment thinning, and ground water schemes at Eglinton, Yanchep and Gingin. (3) The south west Yarragadee and desalination options have not been the sole focus of the Water Corporation for the past two years. They were selected for intensive investigation in preparation for a possible early decision to proceed in the event that the current low streamflow sequence continues and a major new supply is required. The schemes were selected on the basis of their capacity to supply a significant volume of water with a high level of security. (4) The Water Corporation has developed detailed plans for development of the Eglinton and Yanchep ground water schemes. These schemes are considered the most robust for sustainable development close to Perth under the current climatic conditions. Their timing is dependent on land development in the north west corridor. (5) The corporation has developed new ground water schemes at Neerabup, south Whitfords, Lexia and Mirrabooka and has constructed three additional bores into the Yarragadee aquifer. Hon PETER FOSS: Even though I gave more than 24-hours notice of a fairly simple question to the minister representing the Attorney General, he still does not have an answer. I am very disappointed by that, Mr President. I will ask the question if need be, but I have just received a note that tells me that the minister has not approved the answer and could I hold off until tomorrow. It is a question with regard to Martin Rapaera Marks. Hon Nick Griffiths: I have not seen any document relating to it. Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.
(2) Will the minister indicated what water sources other than the 45 gigalitres from desalination of south Yarragadee does the Water Corporation plan to use to meet the demand growth in excess of 45 gigalitres? (3) Will the minister explain why the desalination and south Yarragadee options, both described as last resort options in the “Perth Water Future Study” because of the cost involved, have become the sole focus of the Water Corporation for the past two years? (4) Will the minister explain why the Water Corporation has not developed detailed plans for developing ground water supplies closer to Perth? (5) Will the minister explain why the Water Corporation has not developed more ground water supplies over the past three years, since they have previously been identified as future water supply sources? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for some notice of this question. (1) The water demand for the integrated water supply system, including Perth’s water supply, is expected to increase by more than 45 gigalitres over the coming decades as the population grows. The forecast for 2030 is for an increase of between 95 and 130 gigalitres, depending on the efficacy of demand management initiatives. (2) Other water sources that the Water Corporation may use to meet the demand growth are outlined in the state’s water strategy and include surface water from Brunswick River, irrigation water trading and catchment thinning, and ground water schemes at Eglinton, Yanchep and Gingin. (3) The south west Yarragadee and desalination options have not been the sole focus of the Water Corporation for the past two years. They were selected for intensive investigation in preparation for a possible early decision to proceed in the event that the current low streamflow sequence continues and a major new supply is required. The schemes were selected on the basis of their capacity to supply a significant volume of water with a high level of security. (4) The Water Corporation has developed detailed plans for development of the Eglinton and Yanchep ground water schemes. These schemes are considered the most robust for sustainable development close to Perth under the current climatic conditions. Their timing is dependent on land development in the north west corridor. (5) The corporation has developed new ground water schemes at Neerabup, south Whitfords, Lexia and Mirrabooka and has constructed three additional bores into the Yarragadee aquifer. Hon PETER FOSS: Even though I gave more than 24-hours notice of a fairly simple question to the minister representing the Attorney General, he still does not have an answer. I am very disappointed by that, Mr President. I will ask the question if need be, but I have just received a note that tells me that the minister has not approved the answer and could I hold off until tomorrow. It is a question with regard to Martin Rapaera Marks. Hon Nick Griffiths: I have not seen any document relating to it. Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.
(3) Will the minister explain why the desalination and south Yarragadee options, both described as last resort options in the “Perth Water Future Study” because of the cost involved, have become the sole focus of the Water Corporation for the past two years? (4) Will the minister explain why the Water Corporation has not developed detailed plans for developing ground water supplies closer to Perth? (5) Will the minister explain why the Water Corporation has not developed more ground water supplies over the past three years, since they have previously been identified as future water supply sources? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for some notice of this question. (1) The water demand for the integrated water supply system, including Perth’s water supply, is expected to increase by more than 45 gigalitres over the coming decades as the population grows. The forecast for 2030 is for an increase of between 95 and 130 gigalitres, depending on the efficacy of demand management initiatives. (2) Other water sources that the Water Corporation may use to meet the demand growth are outlined in the state’s water strategy and include surface water from Brunswick River, irrigation water trading and catchment thinning, and ground water schemes at Eglinton, Yanchep and Gingin. (3) The south west Yarragadee and desalination options have not been the sole focus of the Water Corporation for the past two years. They were selected for intensive investigation in preparation for a possible early decision to proceed in the event that the current low streamflow sequence continues and a major new supply is required. The schemes were selected on the basis of their capacity to supply a significant volume of water with a high level of security. (4) The Water Corporation has developed detailed plans for development of the Eglinton and Yanchep ground water schemes. These schemes are considered the most robust for sustainable development close to Perth under the current climatic conditions. Their timing is dependent on land development in the north west corridor. (5) The corporation has developed new ground water schemes at Neerabup, south Whitfords, Lexia and Mirrabooka and has constructed three additional bores into the Yarragadee aquifer. Hon PETER FOSS: Even though I gave more than 24-hours notice of a fairly simple question to the minister representing the Attorney General, he still does not have an answer. I am very disappointed by that, Mr President. I will ask the question if need be, but I have just received a note that tells me that the minister has not approved the answer and could I hold off until tomorrow. It is a question with regard to Martin Rapaera Marks. Hon Nick Griffiths: I have not seen any document relating to it. Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.
(4) Will the minister explain why the Water Corporation has not developed detailed plans for developing ground water supplies closer to Perth? (5) Will the minister explain why the Water Corporation has not developed more ground water supplies over the past three years, since they have previously been identified as future water supply sources? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for some notice of this question. (1) The water demand for the integrated water supply system, including Perth’s water supply, is expected to increase by more than 45 gigalitres over the coming decades as the population grows. The forecast for 2030 is for an increase of between 95 and 130 gigalitres, depending on the efficacy of demand management initiatives. (2) Other water sources that the Water Corporation may use to meet the demand growth are outlined in the state’s water strategy and include surface water from Brunswick River, irrigation water trading and catchment thinning, and ground water schemes at Eglinton, Yanchep and Gingin. (3) The south west Yarragadee and desalination options have not been the sole focus of the Water Corporation for the past two years. They were selected for intensive investigation in preparation for a possible early decision to proceed in the event that the current low streamflow sequence continues and a major new supply is required. The schemes were selected on the basis of their capacity to supply a significant volume of water with a high level of security. (4) The Water Corporation has developed detailed plans for development of the Eglinton and Yanchep ground water schemes. These schemes are considered the most robust for sustainable development close to Perth under the current climatic conditions. Their timing is dependent on land development in the north west corridor. (5) The corporation has developed new ground water schemes at Neerabup, south Whitfords, Lexia and Mirrabooka and has constructed three additional bores into the Yarragadee aquifer. Hon PETER FOSS: Even though I gave more than 24-hours notice of a fairly simple question to the minister representing the Attorney General, he still does not have an answer. I am very disappointed by that, Mr President. I will ask the question if need be, but I have just received a note that tells me that the minister has not approved the answer and could I hold off until tomorrow. It is a question with regard to Martin Rapaera Marks. Hon Nick Griffiths: I have not seen any document relating to it. Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.
(5) Will the minister explain why the Water Corporation has not developed more ground water supplies over the past three years, since they have previously been identified as future water supply sources? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for some notice of this question. (1) The water demand for the integrated water supply system, including Perth’s water supply, is expected to increase by more than 45 gigalitres over the coming decades as the population grows. The forecast for 2030 is for an increase of between 95 and 130 gigalitres, depending on the efficacy of demand management initiatives. (2) Other water sources that the Water Corporation may use to meet the demand growth are outlined in the state’s water strategy and include surface water from Brunswick River, irrigation water trading and catchment thinning, and ground water schemes at Eglinton, Yanchep and Gingin. (3) The south west Yarragadee and desalination options have not been the sole focus of the Water Corporation for the past two years. They were selected for intensive investigation in preparation for a possible early decision to proceed in the event that the current low streamflow sequence continues and a major new supply is required. The schemes were selected on the basis of their capacity to supply a significant volume of water with a high level of security. (4) The Water Corporation has developed detailed plans for development of the Eglinton and Yanchep ground water schemes. These schemes are considered the most robust for sustainable development close to Perth under the current climatic conditions. Their timing is dependent on land development in the north west corridor. (5) The corporation has developed new ground water schemes at Neerabup, south Whitfords, Lexia and Mirrabooka and has constructed three additional bores into the Yarragadee aquifer. Hon PETER FOSS: Even though I gave more than 24-hours notice of a fairly simple question to the minister representing the Attorney General, he still does not have an answer. I am very disappointed by that, Mr President. I will ask the question if need be, but I have just received a note that tells me that the minister has not approved the answer and could I hold off until tomorrow. It is a question with regard to Martin Rapaera Marks. Hon Nick Griffiths: I have not seen any document relating to it. Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.
Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for some notice of this question. (1) The water demand for the integrated water supply system, including Perth’s water supply, is expected to increase by more than 45 gigalitres over the coming decades as the population grows. The forecast for 2030 is for an increase of between 95 and 130 gigalitres, depending on the efficacy of demand management initiatives. (2) Other water sources that the Water Corporation may use to meet the demand growth are outlined in the state’s water strategy and include surface water from Brunswick River, irrigation water trading and catchment thinning, and ground water schemes at Eglinton, Yanchep and Gingin. (3) The south west Yarragadee and desalination options have not been the sole focus of the Water Corporation for the past two years. They were selected for intensive investigation in preparation for a possible early decision to proceed in the event that the current low streamflow sequence continues and a major new supply is required. The schemes were selected on the basis of their capacity to supply a significant volume of water with a high level of security. (4) The Water Corporation has developed detailed plans for development of the Eglinton and Yanchep ground water schemes. These schemes are considered the most robust for sustainable development close to Perth under the current climatic conditions. Their timing is dependent on land development in the north west corridor. (5) The corporation has developed new ground water schemes at Neerabup, south Whitfords, Lexia and Mirrabooka and has constructed three additional bores into the Yarragadee aquifer. Hon PETER FOSS: Even though I gave more than 24-hours notice of a fairly simple question to the minister representing the Attorney General, he still does not have an answer. I am very disappointed by that, Mr President. I will ask the question if need be, but I have just received a note that tells me that the minister has not approved the answer and could I hold off until tomorrow. It is a question with regard to Martin Rapaera Marks. Hon Nick Griffiths: I have not seen any document relating to it. Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for some notice of this question. (1) The water demand for the integrated water supply system, including Perth’s water supply, is expected to increase by more than 45 gigalitres over the coming decades as the population grows. The forecast for 2030 is for an increase of between 95 and 130 gigalitres, depending on the efficacy of demand management initiatives. (2) Other water sources that the Water Corporation may use to meet the demand growth are outlined in the state’s water strategy and include surface water from Brunswick River, irrigation water trading and catchment thinning, and ground water schemes at Eglinton, Yanchep and Gingin. (3) The south west Yarragadee and desalination options have not been the sole focus of the Water Corporation for the past two years. They were selected for intensive investigation in preparation for a possible early decision to proceed in the event that the current low streamflow sequence continues and a major new supply is required. The schemes were selected on the basis of their capacity to supply a significant volume of water with a high level of security. (4) The Water Corporation has developed detailed plans for development of the Eglinton and Yanchep ground water schemes. These schemes are considered the most robust for sustainable development close to Perth under the current climatic conditions. Their timing is dependent on land development in the north west corridor. (5) The corporation has developed new ground water schemes at Neerabup, south Whitfords, Lexia and Mirrabooka and has constructed three additional bores into the Yarragadee aquifer. Hon PETER FOSS: Even though I gave more than 24-hours notice of a fairly simple question to the minister representing the Attorney General, he still does not have an answer. I am very disappointed by that, Mr President. I will ask the question if need be, but I have just received a note that tells me that the minister has not approved the answer and could I hold off until tomorrow. It is a question with regard to Martin Rapaera Marks. Hon Nick Griffiths: I have not seen any document relating to it. Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.
(1) The water demand for the integrated water supply system, including Perth’s water supply, is expected to increase by more than 45 gigalitres over the coming decades as the population grows. The forecast for 2030 is for an increase of between 95 and 130 gigalitres, depending on the efficacy of demand management initiatives. (2) Other water sources that the Water Corporation may use to meet the demand growth are outlined in the state’s water strategy and include surface water from Brunswick River, irrigation water trading and catchment thinning, and ground water schemes at Eglinton, Yanchep and Gingin. (3) The south west Yarragadee and desalination options have not been the sole focus of the Water Corporation for the past two years. They were selected for intensive investigation in preparation for a possible early decision to proceed in the event that the current low streamflow sequence continues and a major new supply is required. The schemes were selected on the basis of their capacity to supply a significant volume of water with a high level of security. (4) The Water Corporation has developed detailed plans for development of the Eglinton and Yanchep ground water schemes. These schemes are considered the most robust for sustainable development close to Perth under the current climatic conditions. Their timing is dependent on land development in the north west corridor. (5) The corporation has developed new ground water schemes at Neerabup, south Whitfords, Lexia and Mirrabooka and has constructed three additional bores into the Yarragadee aquifer. Hon PETER FOSS: Even though I gave more than 24-hours notice of a fairly simple question to the minister representing the Attorney General, he still does not have an answer. I am very disappointed by that, Mr President. I will ask the question if need be, but I have just received a note that tells me that the minister has not approved the answer and could I hold off until tomorrow. It is a question with regard to Martin Rapaera Marks. Hon Nick Griffiths: I have not seen any document relating to it. Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.
(2) Other water sources that the Water Corporation may use to meet the demand growth are outlined in the state’s water strategy and include surface water from Brunswick River, irrigation water trading and catchment thinning, and ground water schemes at Eglinton, Yanchep and Gingin. (3) The south west Yarragadee and desalination options have not been the sole focus of the Water Corporation for the past two years. They were selected for intensive investigation in preparation for a possible early decision to proceed in the event that the current low streamflow sequence continues and a major new supply is required. The schemes were selected on the basis of their capacity to supply a significant volume of water with a high level of security. (4) The Water Corporation has developed detailed plans for development of the Eglinton and Yanchep ground water schemes. These schemes are considered the most robust for sustainable development close to Perth under the current climatic conditions. Their timing is dependent on land development in the north west corridor. (5) The corporation has developed new ground water schemes at Neerabup, south Whitfords, Lexia and Mirrabooka and has constructed three additional bores into the Yarragadee aquifer. Hon PETER FOSS: Even though I gave more than 24-hours notice of a fairly simple question to the minister representing the Attorney General, he still does not have an answer. I am very disappointed by that, Mr President. I will ask the question if need be, but I have just received a note that tells me that the minister has not approved the answer and could I hold off until tomorrow. It is a question with regard to Martin Rapaera Marks. Hon Nick Griffiths: I have not seen any document relating to it. Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.
(3) The south west Yarragadee and desalination options have not been the sole focus of the Water Corporation for the past two years. They were selected for intensive investigation in preparation for a possible early decision to proceed in the event that the current low streamflow sequence continues and a major new supply is required. The schemes were selected on the basis of their capacity to supply a significant volume of water with a high level of security. (4) The Water Corporation has developed detailed plans for development of the Eglinton and Yanchep ground water schemes. These schemes are considered the most robust for sustainable development close to Perth under the current climatic conditions. Their timing is dependent on land development in the north west corridor. (5) The corporation has developed new ground water schemes at Neerabup, south Whitfords, Lexia and Mirrabooka and has constructed three additional bores into the Yarragadee aquifer. Hon PETER FOSS: Even though I gave more than 24-hours notice of a fairly simple question to the minister representing the Attorney General, he still does not have an answer. I am very disappointed by that, Mr President. I will ask the question if need be, but I have just received a note that tells me that the minister has not approved the answer and could I hold off until tomorrow. It is a question with regard to Martin Rapaera Marks. Hon Nick Griffiths: I have not seen any document relating to it. Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.
(4) The Water Corporation has developed detailed plans for development of the Eglinton and Yanchep ground water schemes. These schemes are considered the most robust for sustainable development close to Perth under the current climatic conditions. Their timing is dependent on land development in the north west corridor. (5) The corporation has developed new ground water schemes at Neerabup, south Whitfords, Lexia and Mirrabooka and has constructed three additional bores into the Yarragadee aquifer. Hon PETER FOSS: Even though I gave more than 24-hours notice of a fairly simple question to the minister representing the Attorney General, he still does not have an answer. I am very disappointed by that, Mr President. I will ask the question if need be, but I have just received a note that tells me that the minister has not approved the answer and could I hold off until tomorrow. It is a question with regard to Martin Rapaera Marks. Hon Nick Griffiths: I have not seen any document relating to it. Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.
(5) The corporation has developed new ground water schemes at Neerabup, south Whitfords, Lexia and Mirrabooka and has constructed three additional bores into the Yarragadee aquifer. Hon PETER FOSS: Even though I gave more than 24-hours notice of a fairly simple question to the minister representing the Attorney General, he still does not have an answer. I am very disappointed by that, Mr President. I will ask the question if need be, but I have just received a note that tells me that the minister has not approved the answer and could I hold off until tomorrow. It is a question with regard to Martin Rapaera Marks. Hon Nick Griffiths: I have not seen any document relating to it. Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.
Hon PETER FOSS: Even though I gave more than 24-hours notice of a fairly simple question to the minister representing the Attorney General, he still does not have an answer. I am very disappointed by that, Mr President. I will ask the question if need be, but I have just received a note that tells me that the minister has not approved the answer and could I hold off until tomorrow. It is a question with regard to Martin Rapaera Marks. Hon Nick Griffiths: I have not seen any document relating to it. Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.
Hon Nick Griffiths: I have not seen any document relating to it. Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.
Hon PETER FOSS: Apparently it has not been signed off by the minister. I think that is very disappointing, Mr President.

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