❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice regarding Perth's water security plans for the upcoming summer, given budget cuts to desalination and wastewater recycling. The Minister's response is vague, stating the situation is being monitored and strategies are being considered.
AnsweredQoN 390Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
PERTH WATER SECURITY
As we know, the 2011 budget has killed off proposed stage 2 of the Binningup desalination plant and provided absolutely no money for expanding the waste water recycling program. (1) Just what are the minister’s plans for ensuring that there is water security for Perth this summer, given that it appears that we will again face significant water shortages? (2) Has the minister given any approvals or directions for a further drawdown on the Yarragadee aquifer; and, if so, for how much? (3) Given that the time to act on our summer water security is now, will the minister take full responsibility for any water shortages that might occur this summer? Mr W.R. MARMION
As we know, the 2011 budget has killed off proposed stage 2 of the Binningup desalination plant and provided absolutely no money for expanding the waste water recycling program. (1) Just what are the minister’s plans for ensuring that there is water security for Perth this summer, given that it appears that we will again face significant water shortages? (2) Has the minister given any approvals or directions for a further drawdown on the Yarragadee aquifer; and, if so, for how much? (3) Given that the time to act on our summer water security is now, will the minister take full responsibility for any water shortages that might occur this summer? Mr W.R. MARMION
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Cockburn for his question. (1)–(3) I am actually closely monitoring the situation at the moment in terms of what water will be required. Mr E.S. Ripper : That fills me with confidence! I’m really glad you’re on the case! Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
(1) Just what are the minister’s plans for ensuring that there is water security for Perth this summer, given that it appears that we will again face significant water shortages? (2) Has the minister given any approvals or directions for a further drawdown on the Yarragadee aquifer; and, if so, for how much? (3) Given that the time to act on our summer water security is now, will the minister take full responsibility for any water shortages that might occur this summer? Mr W.R. MARMION replied: I thank the member for Cockburn for his question. (1)–(3) I am actually closely monitoring the situation at the moment in terms of what water will be required. Mr E.S. Ripper : That fills me with confidence! I’m really glad you’re on the case! Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
(2) Has the minister given any approvals or directions for a further drawdown on the Yarragadee aquifer; and, if so, for how much? (3) Given that the time to act on our summer water security is now, will the minister take full responsibility for any water shortages that might occur this summer? Mr W.R. MARMION replied: I thank the member for Cockburn for his question. (1)–(3) I am actually closely monitoring the situation at the moment in terms of what water will be required. Mr E.S. Ripper : That fills me with confidence! I’m really glad you’re on the case! Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
(3) Given that the time to act on our summer water security is now, will the minister take full responsibility for any water shortages that might occur this summer? Mr W.R. MARMION replied: I thank the member for Cockburn for his question. (1)–(3) I am actually closely monitoring the situation at the moment in terms of what water will be required. Mr E.S. Ripper : That fills me with confidence! I’m really glad you’re on the case! Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr W.R. MARMION replied: I thank the member for Cockburn for his question. (1)–(3) I am actually closely monitoring the situation at the moment in terms of what water will be required. Mr E.S. Ripper : That fills me with confidence! I’m really glad you’re on the case! Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
I thank the member for Cockburn for his question. (1)–(3) I am actually closely monitoring the situation at the moment in terms of what water will be required. Mr E.S. Ripper : That fills me with confidence! I’m really glad you’re on the case! Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
(1)–(3) I am actually closely monitoring the situation at the moment in terms of what water will be required. Mr E.S. Ripper : That fills me with confidence! I’m really glad you’re on the case! Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr E.S. Ripper : That fills me with confidence! I’m really glad you’re on the case! Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
(1) Just what are the minister’s plans for ensuring that there is water security for Perth this summer, given that it appears that we will again face significant water shortages? (2) Has the minister given any approvals or directions for a further drawdown on the Yarragadee aquifer; and, if so, for how much? (3) Given that the time to act on our summer water security is now, will the minister take full responsibility for any water shortages that might occur this summer? Mr W.R. MARMION replied: I thank the member for Cockburn for his question. (1)–(3) I am actually closely monitoring the situation at the moment in terms of what water will be required. Mr E.S. Ripper : That fills me with confidence! I’m really glad you’re on the case! Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
(2) Has the minister given any approvals or directions for a further drawdown on the Yarragadee aquifer; and, if so, for how much? (3) Given that the time to act on our summer water security is now, will the minister take full responsibility for any water shortages that might occur this summer? Mr W.R. MARMION replied: I thank the member for Cockburn for his question. (1)–(3) I am actually closely monitoring the situation at the moment in terms of what water will be required. Mr E.S. Ripper : That fills me with confidence! I’m really glad you’re on the case! Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
(3) Given that the time to act on our summer water security is now, will the minister take full responsibility for any water shortages that might occur this summer? Mr W.R. MARMION replied: I thank the member for Cockburn for his question. (1)–(3) I am actually closely monitoring the situation at the moment in terms of what water will be required. Mr E.S. Ripper : That fills me with confidence! I’m really glad you’re on the case! Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr W.R. MARMION replied: I thank the member for Cockburn for his question. (1)–(3) I am actually closely monitoring the situation at the moment in terms of what water will be required. Mr E.S. Ripper : That fills me with confidence! I’m really glad you’re on the case! Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
I thank the member for Cockburn for his question. (1)–(3) I am actually closely monitoring the situation at the moment in terms of what water will be required. Mr E.S. Ripper : That fills me with confidence! I’m really glad you’re on the case! Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
(1)–(3) I am actually closely monitoring the situation at the moment in terms of what water will be required. Mr E.S. Ripper : That fills me with confidence! I’m really glad you’re on the case! Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr E.S. Ripper : That fills me with confidence! I’m really glad you’re on the case! Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr W.R. MARMION : Members will be informed in due course of the outcome. Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr F.M. Logan : Oh, thanks! Is that before we run out of water or after? Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr W.R. MARMION : What strategy we put in place will depend a little on the rain. We are monitoring the current rainfall and a worst-case scenario is that — Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr F.M. Logan : We will run out of water. Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr W.R. MARMION : No, the worst-case scenario is that we may have to draw on the full allocation of the Gnangara mound, but we have lots of strategies in place. I have a special task force that is meeting and considering a number of options. Obviously, the longer term or the medium-term option is recharging the Gnangara mound through the replenishment trial. Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr F.M. Logan : But that will not help this summer. Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
Mr W.R. MARMION : Yes, but that is our medium-term plan. As members know, 50 gigalitres of extra water will come on stream later this year from Binningup. That is 50 gigalitres that we did not have this year. It is true that it would be ideal to get 76 gigalitres of run-off into our dams this year. We are monitoring that. If we get down to about only 32 gigalitres—that would be the second-worst winter we have had in the last 15 years—we might have to draw on the full amount of the Gnangara mound.
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