❓ Question addresses the proposed destruction of native vegetation in a Bush Forever site for the Ocean Reef Marina development, seeking clarification on conservation outcomes, EPA's assessment process, and the meaning of 'Bush Forever Negotiated Planning Outcome'. The answer outlines the offset strategy and reduction in impacted area.
AnsweredQoN 5319Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) How can a positive conservation outcome be achieved when the destruction of 19.5 hectares of high conservation value native coastal vegetation in the Bush Forever site BF 325 is proposed? (2) Is the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA's) decision not to assess the terrestrial component of the Ocean Reef Marina development proposal under Part IV Division 3 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 part of the current review of decisions made by the EPA? (3) What is meant by the term 'Bush Forever Negotiated Planning Outcome'?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
10 May 2016
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Planning
Response time
35 days
(1) The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) referred an MRS amendment to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for the Ocean Reef Marina development. The EPA determined to not assess the scheme amendment and provided advice to the WAPC regarding the impacts of clearing 19.5 ha of native vegetation within Bush Forever site 325. The advice stated that the impacts to the Bush Forever site will be adequately compensated through a Negotiated Planning Outcome, which is to include the rehabilitation and addition to the conservation estate of suitable site/s, to be agreed between the Department of Planning, Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority before final approval of MRS Amendment.
I am advised that the proponent is identifying appropriate sites to meet EPA’s requirements and in accordance with State Planning Policy 2.8 – Bushland Policy for the Perth Metropolitan Region.
I am also advised that the area of native vegetation to be impacted by the development has been reduced to 16.79 ha.
(2) This question should be directed to The Minister for Environment.
(3) The term 'Bush Forever Negotiated Planning Outcome' denotes a negotiated planning position that incorporates offset(s) to address compensation for clearing Bush Forever. This term is used in relation to Bush Forever Areas that were not identified as Negotiated Planning Solution sites in the original listing but were acknowledged as providing a potential strategic benefit. The Ocean Reef Marina was identified as a ‘ possible future strategic regional recreation and tourism node.’ The Negotiated Planning Outcome is being developed in accordance with the criteria for Negotiated Planning Solutions in appendix 4 of SPP 2.8 to ensure an acceptable conservation outcome is achieved.
I am advised that the proponent is identifying appropriate sites to meet EPA’s requirements and in accordance with State Planning Policy 2.8 – Bushland Policy for the Perth Metropolitan Region.
I am also advised that the area of native vegetation to be impacted by the development has been reduced to 16.79 ha.
(2) This question should be directed to The Minister for Environment.
(3) The term 'Bush Forever Negotiated Planning Outcome' denotes a negotiated planning position that incorporates offset(s) to address compensation for clearing Bush Forever. This term is used in relation to Bush Forever Areas that were not identified as Negotiated Planning Solution sites in the original listing but were acknowledged as providing a potential strategic benefit. The Ocean Reef Marina was identified as a ‘ possible future strategic regional recreation and tourism node.’ The Negotiated Planning Outcome is being developed in accordance with the criteria for Negotiated Planning Solutions in appendix 4 of SPP 2.8 to ensure an acceptable conservation outcome is achieved.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.