❓ Debate over nickel export ban at Esperance Port. Govt commits to short & long-term measures, industry to pay. Premier accuses questioner of frustration.
AnsweredQoN 142Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
ESPERANCE PORT AUTHORITY —NICKEL EXPORT BAN
(1) What is the cost of the short-term measures that the Premier has committed to today? (2) Will the industry be required to agree to cover these costs before these works are undertaken? (3) What advice has the Premier received on the probability that these works will bring nickel emissions within acceptable levels? (4) Will the Premier table that advice, as well as all the engineering and environmental reports on which the port authority relied in imposing its ban? Mr C.J. BARNETT
(1) What is the cost of the short-term measures that the Premier has committed to today? (2) Will the industry be required to agree to cover these costs before these works are undertaken? (3) What advice has the Premier received on the probability that these works will bring nickel emissions within acceptable levels? (4) Will the Premier table that advice, as well as all the engineering and environmental reports on which the port authority relied in imposing its ban? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. (1)-(4) Indeed, I tabled a report this morning. The member accused me of keeping it secret and I made it publicly available this morning. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : It is a synopsis of one meeting. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
(2) Will the industry be required to agree to cover these costs before these works are undertaken? (3) What advice has the Premier received on the probability that these works will bring nickel emissions within acceptable levels? (4) Will the Premier table that advice, as well as all the engineering and environmental reports on which the port authority relied in imposing its ban? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(4) Indeed, I tabled a report this morning. The member accused me of keeping it secret and I made it publicly available this morning. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : It is a synopsis of one meeting. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
(3) What advice has the Premier received on the probability that these works will bring nickel emissions within acceptable levels? (4) Will the Premier table that advice, as well as all the engineering and environmental reports on which the port authority relied in imposing its ban? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(4) Indeed, I tabled a report this morning. The member accused me of keeping it secret and I made it publicly available this morning. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : It is a synopsis of one meeting. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
(4) Will the Premier table that advice, as well as all the engineering and environmental reports on which the port authority relied in imposing its ban? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(4) Indeed, I tabled a report this morning. The member accused me of keeping it secret and I made it publicly available this morning. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : It is a synopsis of one meeting. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(4) Indeed, I tabled a report this morning. The member accused me of keeping it secret and I made it publicly available this morning. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : It is a synopsis of one meeting. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
I thank the member for the question. (1)-(4) Indeed, I tabled a report this morning. The member accused me of keeping it secret and I made it publicly available this morning. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : It is a synopsis of one meeting. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
(1)-(4) Indeed, I tabled a report this morning. The member accused me of keeping it secret and I made it publicly available this morning. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : It is a synopsis of one meeting. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : It is a synopsis of one meeting. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
(2) Will the industry be required to agree to cover these costs before these works are undertaken? (3) What advice has the Premier received on the probability that these works will bring nickel emissions within acceptable levels? (4) Will the Premier table that advice, as well as all the engineering and environmental reports on which the port authority relied in imposing its ban? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(4) Indeed, I tabled a report this morning. The member accused me of keeping it secret and I made it publicly available this morning. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : It is a synopsis of one meeting. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
(3) What advice has the Premier received on the probability that these works will bring nickel emissions within acceptable levels? (4) Will the Premier table that advice, as well as all the engineering and environmental reports on which the port authority relied in imposing its ban? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(4) Indeed, I tabled a report this morning. The member accused me of keeping it secret and I made it publicly available this morning. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : It is a synopsis of one meeting. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
(4) Will the Premier table that advice, as well as all the engineering and environmental reports on which the port authority relied in imposing its ban? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(4) Indeed, I tabled a report this morning. The member accused me of keeping it secret and I made it publicly available this morning. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : It is a synopsis of one meeting. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(4) Indeed, I tabled a report this morning. The member accused me of keeping it secret and I made it publicly available this morning. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : It is a synopsis of one meeting. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
I thank the member for the question. (1)-(4) Indeed, I tabled a report this morning. The member accused me of keeping it secret and I made it publicly available this morning. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : It is a synopsis of one meeting. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
(1)-(4) Indeed, I tabled a report this morning. The member accused me of keeping it secret and I made it publicly available this morning. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : It is a synopsis of one meeting. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : It is a synopsis of one meeting. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Mr C.J. BARNETT : In her question yesterday, she misrepresented the nature of that report, but now it has been tabled and it is public, so she got that wrong. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No; sorry. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Sorry, the member did. In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
In answer to this question, and as I detailed in my brief ministerial statement today, this government is taking action to remove the lead carbonate, to restore reverse osmosis facilities, to have a full and comprehensive clean-up of the areas and to sustain and maintain the nickel industry. I remind members that the nickel industry in this state is worth around $4 billion a year. It produces 13 per cent of world nickel production and directly employs 15 000 people in Western Australia. It is a vital industry to this state. The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
The member was accurate in her question when she made the point that the principal reason that the port authority gave notice of a cessation of bulk nickel exports was not that there were breaches of health standards but, rather, that it could not guarantee or did not feel confident about the necessary capital improvements that would be needed at the Esperance port. Under this government, those capital improvements will occur. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I understand the question. The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
The first of those capital improvements is a number of short-term measures to cover conveyers and the loading chute. I do not have a figure to hand, but I will find a figure for the member. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What about an approximate figure? It’s about $33 million, isn’t it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to have a guess at the figure, but the necessary measures will be taken to make it safe. We will do all that can practicably be done in the short term to minimise any nickel dust emissions. I remind the member that nickel does not create the health problems that lead does. Nickel has been exported since 1967 through the Esperance Port Authority. Those are the short-term measures that will be taken and I will obtain for the member an estimate of what the cost is likely to be. However, I said this morning that these measures will, by their nature, be temporary measures. In the longer term, by which I mean about two years, there will be a rebuild of the entire nickel handling facility. The broad cost estimate for that is in the order of $100 million. A very substantial investment will be necessary to make sure that we can continue to safely export nickel without any implications for the surrounding residences. That is a responsible approach; we will maintain the industry, make some temporary, short-term improvements and provide long-term investment in the industry over the next two years. The industry will ultimately pay for both the short-term and long-term measures. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will it be required to agree to do that — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Negotiations with the nickel industry are underway. I stress that the government will ensure that this is done, and if the government has to provide financial arrangements for the port authority to undertake that work, it will do so. We will take responsibility for this issue. This is the most serious environmental damage to have occurred in this state since the Wittenoom tragedy, and it took place between 2000 and 2007. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We stopped lead exports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, you stopped lead exports. I do not know why the member is having so much difficulty with this; she is doing everything to try to frustrate the process. Can she not come to grips with the fact that after nearly two years, this government is making decisions and fixing the problem?
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