Home›Questions on Notice›QoN 1845

❓ A WA parliamentary question scrutinises the Environment Minister's approval process for the Great Southern Landfill, focusing on timelines, consultations, and adherence to procedures. The Minister's response provides specific dates and confirms personal involvement and procedural compliance.

AnsweredQoN 1845Legislative Assembly

Asked

24 February 2026

Member

Mr Lachlan Hunter

Portfolio

the Environment

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the Great Southern Landfill site at Allawuna Farm and I ask: (a) On what date did the Minister for the Environment sign the final approval (Ministerial Statement) for the Great Southern Landfill at Allawuna Farm; (b) What was the specific Ministerial Statement number issued for this approval; (c) On what date did the Minister personally receive the Environmental Protection Authority's (EPA’s) recommendation for approval; (d) Was the approval signed on the same day the EPA’s recommendation was published: (i) If not, why; (e) What was the exact time of day the Minister signed the approval; (f) Did the Minister sign the approval outside normal business hours; (g) What was the decision timeframe between EPA recommendation and final approval; (h) What is the chain of internal ministerial approvals before the Minister signed off; (i) Was the approval approved under delegated authority or personally by the Minister; (j) Was there any extension of statutory deadlines to allow for the approval; (k) How many times did the Minister meet with the EPA Chair in relation to this proposal; (l) On what dates did those meetings occur; (m) Were any discussions with the EPA held outside formal meetings; (n) Was the Minister briefed on all EPA Advisory Committee reports ; (o) Did the Minister seek additional information from the EPA Appeals Convenor before signing the decision; (p) What correspondence exists between the Minister and the EPA Appeals Convenor; (q) How many email exchanges occurred between the Minister’s office and the EPA (or Appeals Convenor) regarding the proposal; (r) Were any of those communications not published or made public; (s) Did the Minister directly question EPA scientific conclusions before approval; and (t) Did the Minister ever publicly disagree with any EPA advice prior to approving?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

5 May 2026

Responded by

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment

Response time

9 days

(a) – (b)            Ministerial Statement 1261 was signed on 20 November 2025.
(c)                    The EPA does not recommend ‘approval’ for any project, only that it may or may not proceed under conditions. The EPA’s recommendation was received on 11 May 2023.
(d) – (f)            Ministerial Statement 1261 was signed on 20 November 2025.
(g)                    924 days.
(h)                    The Minister for the Environment consulted with key decision-making authorities, consistent with section 45 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. This information is publicly available.
(i)                     Personally.
(j)                     No.
(k) – (m)           Nil.
(n) – (t)             Proper and correct approval procedures were adhered to, with the Minister reserving the right for final determination.

View on Parliament of WA