❓ Question seeks information on the progress of revitalisation efforts in Cossack, including land development, budget allocation, government plans for tourism and heritage, and engagement with Indigenous representatives. It also probes the reasons for rejecting a planning scheme amendment and explores alternative management options.
⏳ Awaiting AnswerQoN 2839Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the historic Pilbara town of Cossack, the 2017 WA Labor document 'Plan for the Pilbara', and the City of Karratha's Local Planning Scheme No. 8, Amendment No. 44, relating to developments in the town, and I ask:
(a) can the Minister please advise what progress, in a general sense, has been made in revitalising the town:
(i) specifically in relation to the lands' designation with a view to development; and
(ii) specifically in relation to the ability of landholders to develop their freehold properties;
(b) how much of the 425 million dollars, committed under the Government's 'Plan for the Pilbara', has been budgeted solely for Cossack town:
(i) of the amount in (b), how much has been spent to date;
(ii) would the Minister please table the budget for Cossack, referred to in (b); and
(iii) if no to (b)(ii), why not;
(c) would the Minister give comment on the Government's plan for Cossack town, in regards to recreational, tourism, or heritage opportunities;
(d) does the Government intend to fund the ongoing preservation of Cossack and its heritage values;
(e) would the Minister give reason as to why the Planning Scheme Amendment, by the City of Karratha, allowing development and investment opportunity at Cossack, was rejected by Government:
(i) if no to (e), why not; and
(ii) can the Minister confirm that the proposed amendment was sound in regard to administrative procedures and environmental considerations;
(f) does the Minister agree that a lack of private development places the onus of preserving Cossack onto the State;
(g) can the Minister comment on the viability of the town of Cossack coming under the administration of the National Trust (WA), or similar heritage entity;
(h) at present, can Cossack landowners apply to construct small-scale temporary facilities such as caravan parks and campsites:
(i) if no to (f), does the Government intend to permit such developments in the future;
(i) does the Minister agree that the restrictions on development represent a sizeable opportunity cost for persons who invested in land in Cossack:
(i) if yes to (g), does the Government intend to buy back these plots, so that the heritage sites are State-owned;
(j) does the Minister consider it possible to promote the heritage values of Cossack, whilst also allowing the town to be enjoyed by visitors:
(i) if yes to (j), could the Minister give comment on the Government's plans to achieve this; and
(k) has the Department liaised with local Indigenous representatives to discuss the future of Cossack:
(i) if yes to (k), which group or persons did the Department contact; and
(ii) if yes to (k), can the Minister advise of the outcomes?
Answered on
(a) can the Minister please advise what progress, in a general sense, has been made in revitalising the town:
(i) specifically in relation to the lands' designation with a view to development; and
(ii) specifically in relation to the ability of landholders to develop their freehold properties;
(b) how much of the 425 million dollars, committed under the Government's 'Plan for the Pilbara', has been budgeted solely for Cossack town:
(i) of the amount in (b), how much has been spent to date;
(ii) would the Minister please table the budget for Cossack, referred to in (b); and
(iii) if no to (b)(ii), why not;
(c) would the Minister give comment on the Government's plan for Cossack town, in regards to recreational, tourism, or heritage opportunities;
(d) does the Government intend to fund the ongoing preservation of Cossack and its heritage values;
(e) would the Minister give reason as to why the Planning Scheme Amendment, by the City of Karratha, allowing development and investment opportunity at Cossack, was rejected by Government:
(i) if no to (e), why not; and
(ii) can the Minister confirm that the proposed amendment was sound in regard to administrative procedures and environmental considerations;
(f) does the Minister agree that a lack of private development places the onus of preserving Cossack onto the State;
(g) can the Minister comment on the viability of the town of Cossack coming under the administration of the National Trust (WA), or similar heritage entity;
(h) at present, can Cossack landowners apply to construct small-scale temporary facilities such as caravan parks and campsites:
(i) if no to (f), does the Government intend to permit such developments in the future;
(i) does the Minister agree that the restrictions on development represent a sizeable opportunity cost for persons who invested in land in Cossack:
(i) if yes to (g), does the Government intend to buy back these plots, so that the heritage sites are State-owned;
(j) does the Minister consider it possible to promote the heritage values of Cossack, whilst also allowing the town to be enjoyed by visitors:
(i) if yes to (j), could the Minister give comment on the Government's plans to achieve this; and
(k) has the Department liaised with local Indigenous representatives to discuss the future of Cossack:
(i) if yes to (k), which group or persons did the Department contact; and
(ii) if yes to (k), can the Minister advise of the outcomes?
Answered on
AnswerView source ↗
⏳
This question is awaiting a response from the Minister.
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