❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses the impact of the McGowan government's "Plan For Our Parks" on mining tenements, specifically regarding the potential expansion of conservation reserves and its implications for tenement holders. The government clarifies the target and consultation process, but offers no compensation or fee relief.
AnsweredQoN 6113Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Can the Minister advise that as a part of the McGowan government's "Plan For Our Parks" to create an additional five million hectares of new national parks, marine parks and other conservation reserves by February 2024, it is now increasing the area for possible consideration for inclusion in this plan to six million hectares? (2) With the increased area now being considered, how many mining tenements or additional mining tenements are impacted? (3) What is now the total number of mining tenements affected and what area of land does this represent? (4) Have the mining tenement owners affected by the increased 1 million hectares been notified in writing that their tenements may require new approvals if their land becomes an A-Class reserve, and in addition, the granting of a future mining lease or general purpose lease would require the approval of both Houses of Parliament? (5) If yes to (4), how much notice was provided to tenement holders to respond to any letter of notification? (6) How many tenement holders have responded to the notification letter with concerns, how many have responded with "no comment", how many did not respond within the deadline and how many have responded after the deadline? (7) Will tenement holders who are affected with the possible loss of their tenements receive compensation for sunk expenditure into their tenements? (8) Will these affected tenement holders receive a hold on their tenement fees during this period of uncertainty? (9) Will exploration mining tenement holders affected by the "Plan For Our Parks" proposal receive a deferral of expenditure requirements during the consideration period? If not why not? (10) Will the Minister be able to veto any proposed declaration of land for the creation of additional conservation reserves under the "Plan For Our Parks" that includes a mining tenement?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 June 2020
Responded by
Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Energy; Industrial Relations
Response time
8 days
(1) The five million hectare target proposed for reservation within Plan for Our Parks has not changed. In refining the initial 18 proposals, the Government saw the need to consider an additional one million hectares as a risk management strategy to ensure the five million hectare target is met. Eleven additional areas have been identified providing flexibility knowing that it is likely that not all the parks will be created, or areas may be reduced following consultation with affected stakeholders including tenement holders.
(2) As of 27 May 2020, 136 mining tenements/petroleum titles and applications intersect with the additional 11 park proposals.
(3) As of 27 May 2020, 376 mining tenements/petroleum titles and applications are impacted by the initial 18 plus the 11 additional, intersecting approximately 37 per cent of the terrestrial reserve proposals.
(4) Yes
(5) Consultation on the 11 additional areas commenced on 3 March 2020 and an initial three week submission period was given, with extensions granted upon request. All holders were notified on 31 March 2020 that Plan for Our Parks was on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Government cautiously lifting some COVID-19 restrictions, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have recommenced tenement holder consultation, seeking submissions by 30 June 2020. Further extensions may be granted upon request.
(6) As the consultation deadline was put on hold, it is not relevant to report the number of responses received before and after the “deadline”. However, as at 27 May 2020, 47 of the potential 71 affected title/tenement holders and applicants impacted by the additional 11 park proposals had responded expressing some preliminary concerns. One responded with “no comment”.
(7) Tenement holders are not required through this process to surrender mining tenements/ petroleum titles and therefore no compensation is being considered.
(8) No
(9) The affected tenement holders may apply for an exemption from expenditure conditions.
(10) The Plan for Our Parks process established by this Government ensures that all relevant portfolios are consulted throughout the process of identification, assessment and decision-making. This means that consensus across the Government is achieved before final consent to create the reserves is requested.
(2) As of 27 May 2020, 136 mining tenements/petroleum titles and applications intersect with the additional 11 park proposals.
(3) As of 27 May 2020, 376 mining tenements/petroleum titles and applications are impacted by the initial 18 plus the 11 additional, intersecting approximately 37 per cent of the terrestrial reserve proposals.
(4) Yes
(5) Consultation on the 11 additional areas commenced on 3 March 2020 and an initial three week submission period was given, with extensions granted upon request. All holders were notified on 31 March 2020 that Plan for Our Parks was on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Government cautiously lifting some COVID-19 restrictions, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have recommenced tenement holder consultation, seeking submissions by 30 June 2020. Further extensions may be granted upon request.
(6) As the consultation deadline was put on hold, it is not relevant to report the number of responses received before and after the “deadline”. However, as at 27 May 2020, 47 of the potential 71 affected title/tenement holders and applicants impacted by the additional 11 park proposals had responded expressing some preliminary concerns. One responded with “no comment”.
(7) Tenement holders are not required through this process to surrender mining tenements/ petroleum titles and therefore no compensation is being considered.
(8) No
(9) The affected tenement holders may apply for an exemption from expenditure conditions.
(10) The Plan for Our Parks process established by this Government ensures that all relevant portfolios are consulted throughout the process of identification, assessment and decision-making. This means that consensus across the Government is achieved before final consent to create the reserves is requested.
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