❓ A WA parliamentary question probes the environmental impact of logging the Gnangara pine plantation under the Wood Processing (Wesbeam) Agreement Act 2002, focusing on groundwater extraction and the Yanchep cave system. The Minister provides data, modelling details, and future plans, highlighting a review under the Environmental Protection Act.
AnsweredQoN 364Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
With regard to the
Wood Processing (Wesbeam) Agreement Act 2002
which provides for logging over a period of 25 years of the Gnangara pine plantation adjacent to and covering the Gnangara groundwater mound north of Perth and question without notice No. 546 -
(1) Would the Minister table the results of the analysis of modelling carried out by the Water and Rivers Commission and the Water Corporation referred to in question without notice No. 546 asked on December 18 2002?
(2) Has the modelling and analysis undertaken in question (1) taken into account the extraction of groundwater from the new bores by the Water Corporation?
(3) If not, why not?
(4) Could the Minister provide an estimate of the likely total annual groundwater extraction rates over the next five years, which takes into account the new bores by the Water Corporation and other extraction of groundwater over the Gnangara water mound including the area over the Yanchep cave system?
(5) What modelling and management plans have been done for the areas where the logging of pines under the State Agreement Swill occur over the areas of the Yanchep cave system and does this take into account the extraction rates for the new bores for groundwater use by the Water Corporation?
(6) Will the Minister table any results of analysis and management plans referred to in question (3)?
(7) Does the
State Agreement Act
allow for the State Government to stop logging should it be necessary in the future because of adverse impacts on the environment?
Wood Processing (Wesbeam) Agreement Act 2002
which provides for logging over a period of 25 years of the Gnangara pine plantation adjacent to and covering the Gnangara groundwater mound north of Perth and question without notice No. 546 -
(1) Would the Minister table the results of the analysis of modelling carried out by the Water and Rivers Commission and the Water Corporation referred to in question without notice No. 546 asked on December 18 2002?
(2) Has the modelling and analysis undertaken in question (1) taken into account the extraction of groundwater from the new bores by the Water Corporation?
(3) If not, why not?
(4) Could the Minister provide an estimate of the likely total annual groundwater extraction rates over the next five years, which takes into account the new bores by the Water Corporation and other extraction of groundwater over the Gnangara water mound including the area over the Yanchep cave system?
(5) What modelling and management plans have been done for the areas where the logging of pines under the State Agreement Swill occur over the areas of the Yanchep cave system and does this take into account the extraction rates for the new bores for groundwater use by the Water Corporation?
(6) Will the Minister table any results of analysis and management plans referred to in question (3)?
(7) Does the
State Agreement Act
allow for the State Government to stop logging should it be necessary in the future because of adverse impacts on the environment?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
5 March 2003
Responded by
Minister for Housing and Works representing the Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Response time
76 days
Please find attached the results of the analysis of modelling carried out by the Water Corporation. See tabled paper. (2) Yes. The WRC’s modelling analysis accounts for Water Corporation’s abstraction in running the pine scenarios. New Water Corporation bores are included, together with the private licensed bore and home garden bore water use. (3) Not applicable. (4) Currently across all Gnangara Mound aquifers, it is estimated that approximately 310 GL is being abstracted annually. Approximately 160 GL/yr (52%) is taken for public water supply, 100 GL/yr (32%) is used by private licensed self-supply and an estimated 50 GL/yr (16%) is extracted for unlicensed domestic (garden bore) use. It is difficult to anticipate how these figures may change over the next five years, particularly as the amount of groundwater available for use is currently being reviewed under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 . The review should be completed within the next two years and the amount of groundwater finally made available will be determined after taking account of the current state of groundwater resources and community views on the balance of environmental, social and economic values in the region. As groundwater and surface water sources for public supply are linked, the amount of groundwater extracted is influenced by the amount of water in surface reservoirs. When the currently low dam levels increase, there will be less water required from Gnangara Mound supplies. The amount of groundwater abstracted next year is likely to be similar to current allocations. However, groundwater extraction for public supply is expected to reduce over the next five years. Additional recharge from progressive clearing of pines will also contribute to storage levels in the Mound. (5) There is no specific water management plan that covers the Yanchep Caves area. However, allocation limits have been set for the Yanchep Groundwater Area and other areas on the Gnangara Mound and remain in effect. The current Section 46 review of environmental conditions for the Gnangara Mound will assess impacts of water use and land management in the northern Perth Region and will review these limits. The PRAMS model will contribute to studies that support the review process, and all water use including Water Corporation bores will be included in the model runs. It is anticipated that the Section 46 review will lead into a comprehensive water resource management plan for the greater Perth Region (including the Gnangara Mound and Yanchep Caves area). (6) As outlined in the answer to question (1) above, the results of the WRC’s pine scenario modelling in the Yanchep Caves area will be available by the end of March 2003. See tabled paper. (7) The State Agreement Act does not consider adverse impacts on the environment due to logging as it was recognised that the clearing of the Gnangara pines would have positive, rather than negative, environmental effects. Logging will increase the amount of groundwater recharge to groundwater-dependent systems, which are presently under stress due to historically low groundwater levels.
(2) Yes. The WRC’s modelling analysis accounts for Water Corporation’s abstraction in running the pine scenarios. New Water Corporation bores are included, together with the private licensed bore and home garden bore water use. (3) Not applicable. (4) Currently across all Gnangara Mound aquifers, it is estimated that approximately 310 GL is being abstracted annually. Approximately 160 GL/yr (52%) is taken for public water supply, 100 GL/yr (32%) is used by private licensed self-supply and an estimated 50 GL/yr (16%) is extracted for unlicensed domestic (garden bore) use. It is difficult to anticipate how these figures may change over the next five years, particularly as the amount of groundwater available for use is currently being reviewed under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 . The review should be completed within the next two years and the amount of groundwater finally made available will be determined after taking account of the current state of groundwater resources and community views on the balance of environmental, social and economic values in the region. As groundwater and surface water sources for public supply are linked, the amount of groundwater extracted is influenced by the amount of water in surface reservoirs. When the currently low dam levels increase, there will be less water required from Gnangara Mound supplies. The amount of groundwater abstracted next year is likely to be similar to current allocations. However, groundwater extraction for public supply is expected to reduce over the next five years. Additional recharge from progressive clearing of pines will also contribute to storage levels in the Mound. (5) There is no specific water management plan that covers the Yanchep Caves area. However, allocation limits have been set for the Yanchep Groundwater Area and other areas on the Gnangara Mound and remain in effect. The current Section 46 review of environmental conditions for the Gnangara Mound will assess impacts of water use and land management in the northern Perth Region and will review these limits. The PRAMS model will contribute to studies that support the review process, and all water use including Water Corporation bores will be included in the model runs. It is anticipated that the Section 46 review will lead into a comprehensive water resource management plan for the greater Perth Region (including the Gnangara Mound and Yanchep Caves area). (6) As outlined in the answer to question (1) above, the results of the WRC’s pine scenario modelling in the Yanchep Caves area will be available by the end of March 2003. See tabled paper. (7) The State Agreement Act does not consider adverse impacts on the environment due to logging as it was recognised that the clearing of the Gnangara pines would have positive, rather than negative, environmental effects. Logging will increase the amount of groundwater recharge to groundwater-dependent systems, which are presently under stress due to historically low groundwater levels.
(3) Not applicable. (4) Currently across all Gnangara Mound aquifers, it is estimated that approximately 310 GL is being abstracted annually. Approximately 160 GL/yr (52%) is taken for public water supply, 100 GL/yr (32%) is used by private licensed self-supply and an estimated 50 GL/yr (16%) is extracted for unlicensed domestic (garden bore) use. It is difficult to anticipate how these figures may change over the next five years, particularly as the amount of groundwater available for use is currently being reviewed under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 . The review should be completed within the next two years and the amount of groundwater finally made available will be determined after taking account of the current state of groundwater resources and community views on the balance of environmental, social and economic values in the region. As groundwater and surface water sources for public supply are linked, the amount of groundwater extracted is influenced by the amount of water in surface reservoirs. When the currently low dam levels increase, there will be less water required from Gnangara Mound supplies. The amount of groundwater abstracted next year is likely to be similar to current allocations. However, groundwater extraction for public supply is expected to reduce over the next five years. Additional recharge from progressive clearing of pines will also contribute to storage levels in the Mound. (5) There is no specific water management plan that covers the Yanchep Caves area. However, allocation limits have been set for the Yanchep Groundwater Area and other areas on the Gnangara Mound and remain in effect. The current Section 46 review of environmental conditions for the Gnangara Mound will assess impacts of water use and land management in the northern Perth Region and will review these limits. The PRAMS model will contribute to studies that support the review process, and all water use including Water Corporation bores will be included in the model runs. It is anticipated that the Section 46 review will lead into a comprehensive water resource management plan for the greater Perth Region (including the Gnangara Mound and Yanchep Caves area). (6) As outlined in the answer to question (1) above, the results of the WRC’s pine scenario modelling in the Yanchep Caves area will be available by the end of March 2003. See tabled paper. (7) The State Agreement Act does not consider adverse impacts on the environment due to logging as it was recognised that the clearing of the Gnangara pines would have positive, rather than negative, environmental effects. Logging will increase the amount of groundwater recharge to groundwater-dependent systems, which are presently under stress due to historically low groundwater levels.
(4) Currently across all Gnangara Mound aquifers, it is estimated that approximately 310 GL is being abstracted annually. Approximately 160 GL/yr (52%) is taken for public water supply, 100 GL/yr (32%) is used by private licensed self-supply and an estimated 50 GL/yr (16%) is extracted for unlicensed domestic (garden bore) use. It is difficult to anticipate how these figures may change over the next five years, particularly as the amount of groundwater available for use is currently being reviewed under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 . The review should be completed within the next two years and the amount of groundwater finally made available will be determined after taking account of the current state of groundwater resources and community views on the balance of environmental, social and economic values in the region. As groundwater and surface water sources for public supply are linked, the amount of groundwater extracted is influenced by the amount of water in surface reservoirs. When the currently low dam levels increase, there will be less water required from Gnangara Mound supplies. The amount of groundwater abstracted next year is likely to be similar to current allocations. However, groundwater extraction for public supply is expected to reduce over the next five years. Additional recharge from progressive clearing of pines will also contribute to storage levels in the Mound. (5) There is no specific water management plan that covers the Yanchep Caves area. However, allocation limits have been set for the Yanchep Groundwater Area and other areas on the Gnangara Mound and remain in effect. The current Section 46 review of environmental conditions for the Gnangara Mound will assess impacts of water use and land management in the northern Perth Region and will review these limits. The PRAMS model will contribute to studies that support the review process, and all water use including Water Corporation bores will be included in the model runs. It is anticipated that the Section 46 review will lead into a comprehensive water resource management plan for the greater Perth Region (including the Gnangara Mound and Yanchep Caves area). (6) As outlined in the answer to question (1) above, the results of the WRC’s pine scenario modelling in the Yanchep Caves area will be available by the end of March 2003. See tabled paper. (7) The State Agreement Act does not consider adverse impacts on the environment due to logging as it was recognised that the clearing of the Gnangara pines would have positive, rather than negative, environmental effects. Logging will increase the amount of groundwater recharge to groundwater-dependent systems, which are presently under stress due to historically low groundwater levels.
(5) There is no specific water management plan that covers the Yanchep Caves area. However, allocation limits have been set for the Yanchep Groundwater Area and other areas on the Gnangara Mound and remain in effect. The current Section 46 review of environmental conditions for the Gnangara Mound will assess impacts of water use and land management in the northern Perth Region and will review these limits. The PRAMS model will contribute to studies that support the review process, and all water use including Water Corporation bores will be included in the model runs. It is anticipated that the Section 46 review will lead into a comprehensive water resource management plan for the greater Perth Region (including the Gnangara Mound and Yanchep Caves area). (6) As outlined in the answer to question (1) above, the results of the WRC’s pine scenario modelling in the Yanchep Caves area will be available by the end of March 2003. See tabled paper. (7) The State Agreement Act does not consider adverse impacts on the environment due to logging as it was recognised that the clearing of the Gnangara pines would have positive, rather than negative, environmental effects. Logging will increase the amount of groundwater recharge to groundwater-dependent systems, which are presently under stress due to historically low groundwater levels.
(6) As outlined in the answer to question (1) above, the results of the WRC’s pine scenario modelling in the Yanchep Caves area will be available by the end of March 2003. See tabled paper. (7) The State Agreement Act does not consider adverse impacts on the environment due to logging as it was recognised that the clearing of the Gnangara pines would have positive, rather than negative, environmental effects. Logging will increase the amount of groundwater recharge to groundwater-dependent systems, which are presently under stress due to historically low groundwater levels.
(7) The State Agreement Act does not consider adverse impacts on the environment due to logging as it was recognised that the clearing of the Gnangara pines would have positive, rather than negative, environmental effects. Logging will increase the amount of groundwater recharge to groundwater-dependent systems, which are presently under stress due to historically low groundwater levels.
(2) Yes. The WRC’s modelling analysis accounts for Water Corporation’s abstraction in running the pine scenarios. New Water Corporation bores are included, together with the private licensed bore and home garden bore water use. (3) Not applicable. (4) Currently across all Gnangara Mound aquifers, it is estimated that approximately 310 GL is being abstracted annually. Approximately 160 GL/yr (52%) is taken for public water supply, 100 GL/yr (32%) is used by private licensed self-supply and an estimated 50 GL/yr (16%) is extracted for unlicensed domestic (garden bore) use. It is difficult to anticipate how these figures may change over the next five years, particularly as the amount of groundwater available for use is currently being reviewed under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 . The review should be completed within the next two years and the amount of groundwater finally made available will be determined after taking account of the current state of groundwater resources and community views on the balance of environmental, social and economic values in the region. As groundwater and surface water sources for public supply are linked, the amount of groundwater extracted is influenced by the amount of water in surface reservoirs. When the currently low dam levels increase, there will be less water required from Gnangara Mound supplies. The amount of groundwater abstracted next year is likely to be similar to current allocations. However, groundwater extraction for public supply is expected to reduce over the next five years. Additional recharge from progressive clearing of pines will also contribute to storage levels in the Mound. (5) There is no specific water management plan that covers the Yanchep Caves area. However, allocation limits have been set for the Yanchep Groundwater Area and other areas on the Gnangara Mound and remain in effect. The current Section 46 review of environmental conditions for the Gnangara Mound will assess impacts of water use and land management in the northern Perth Region and will review these limits. The PRAMS model will contribute to studies that support the review process, and all water use including Water Corporation bores will be included in the model runs. It is anticipated that the Section 46 review will lead into a comprehensive water resource management plan for the greater Perth Region (including the Gnangara Mound and Yanchep Caves area). (6) As outlined in the answer to question (1) above, the results of the WRC’s pine scenario modelling in the Yanchep Caves area will be available by the end of March 2003. See tabled paper. (7) The State Agreement Act does not consider adverse impacts on the environment due to logging as it was recognised that the clearing of the Gnangara pines would have positive, rather than negative, environmental effects. Logging will increase the amount of groundwater recharge to groundwater-dependent systems, which are presently under stress due to historically low groundwater levels.
(3) Not applicable. (4) Currently across all Gnangara Mound aquifers, it is estimated that approximately 310 GL is being abstracted annually. Approximately 160 GL/yr (52%) is taken for public water supply, 100 GL/yr (32%) is used by private licensed self-supply and an estimated 50 GL/yr (16%) is extracted for unlicensed domestic (garden bore) use. It is difficult to anticipate how these figures may change over the next five years, particularly as the amount of groundwater available for use is currently being reviewed under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 . The review should be completed within the next two years and the amount of groundwater finally made available will be determined after taking account of the current state of groundwater resources and community views on the balance of environmental, social and economic values in the region. As groundwater and surface water sources for public supply are linked, the amount of groundwater extracted is influenced by the amount of water in surface reservoirs. When the currently low dam levels increase, there will be less water required from Gnangara Mound supplies. The amount of groundwater abstracted next year is likely to be similar to current allocations. However, groundwater extraction for public supply is expected to reduce over the next five years. Additional recharge from progressive clearing of pines will also contribute to storage levels in the Mound. (5) There is no specific water management plan that covers the Yanchep Caves area. However, allocation limits have been set for the Yanchep Groundwater Area and other areas on the Gnangara Mound and remain in effect. The current Section 46 review of environmental conditions for the Gnangara Mound will assess impacts of water use and land management in the northern Perth Region and will review these limits. The PRAMS model will contribute to studies that support the review process, and all water use including Water Corporation bores will be included in the model runs. It is anticipated that the Section 46 review will lead into a comprehensive water resource management plan for the greater Perth Region (including the Gnangara Mound and Yanchep Caves area). (6) As outlined in the answer to question (1) above, the results of the WRC’s pine scenario modelling in the Yanchep Caves area will be available by the end of March 2003. See tabled paper. (7) The State Agreement Act does not consider adverse impacts on the environment due to logging as it was recognised that the clearing of the Gnangara pines would have positive, rather than negative, environmental effects. Logging will increase the amount of groundwater recharge to groundwater-dependent systems, which are presently under stress due to historically low groundwater levels.
(4) Currently across all Gnangara Mound aquifers, it is estimated that approximately 310 GL is being abstracted annually. Approximately 160 GL/yr (52%) is taken for public water supply, 100 GL/yr (32%) is used by private licensed self-supply and an estimated 50 GL/yr (16%) is extracted for unlicensed domestic (garden bore) use. It is difficult to anticipate how these figures may change over the next five years, particularly as the amount of groundwater available for use is currently being reviewed under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 . The review should be completed within the next two years and the amount of groundwater finally made available will be determined after taking account of the current state of groundwater resources and community views on the balance of environmental, social and economic values in the region. As groundwater and surface water sources for public supply are linked, the amount of groundwater extracted is influenced by the amount of water in surface reservoirs. When the currently low dam levels increase, there will be less water required from Gnangara Mound supplies. The amount of groundwater abstracted next year is likely to be similar to current allocations. However, groundwater extraction for public supply is expected to reduce over the next five years. Additional recharge from progressive clearing of pines will also contribute to storage levels in the Mound. (5) There is no specific water management plan that covers the Yanchep Caves area. However, allocation limits have been set for the Yanchep Groundwater Area and other areas on the Gnangara Mound and remain in effect. The current Section 46 review of environmental conditions for the Gnangara Mound will assess impacts of water use and land management in the northern Perth Region and will review these limits. The PRAMS model will contribute to studies that support the review process, and all water use including Water Corporation bores will be included in the model runs. It is anticipated that the Section 46 review will lead into a comprehensive water resource management plan for the greater Perth Region (including the Gnangara Mound and Yanchep Caves area). (6) As outlined in the answer to question (1) above, the results of the WRC’s pine scenario modelling in the Yanchep Caves area will be available by the end of March 2003. See tabled paper. (7) The State Agreement Act does not consider adverse impacts on the environment due to logging as it was recognised that the clearing of the Gnangara pines would have positive, rather than negative, environmental effects. Logging will increase the amount of groundwater recharge to groundwater-dependent systems, which are presently under stress due to historically low groundwater levels.
(5) There is no specific water management plan that covers the Yanchep Caves area. However, allocation limits have been set for the Yanchep Groundwater Area and other areas on the Gnangara Mound and remain in effect. The current Section 46 review of environmental conditions for the Gnangara Mound will assess impacts of water use and land management in the northern Perth Region and will review these limits. The PRAMS model will contribute to studies that support the review process, and all water use including Water Corporation bores will be included in the model runs. It is anticipated that the Section 46 review will lead into a comprehensive water resource management plan for the greater Perth Region (including the Gnangara Mound and Yanchep Caves area). (6) As outlined in the answer to question (1) above, the results of the WRC’s pine scenario modelling in the Yanchep Caves area will be available by the end of March 2003. See tabled paper. (7) The State Agreement Act does not consider adverse impacts on the environment due to logging as it was recognised that the clearing of the Gnangara pines would have positive, rather than negative, environmental effects. Logging will increase the amount of groundwater recharge to groundwater-dependent systems, which are presently under stress due to historically low groundwater levels.
(6) As outlined in the answer to question (1) above, the results of the WRC’s pine scenario modelling in the Yanchep Caves area will be available by the end of March 2003. See tabled paper. (7) The State Agreement Act does not consider adverse impacts on the environment due to logging as it was recognised that the clearing of the Gnangara pines would have positive, rather than negative, environmental effects. Logging will increase the amount of groundwater recharge to groundwater-dependent systems, which are presently under stress due to historically low groundwater levels.
(7) The State Agreement Act does not consider adverse impacts on the environment due to logging as it was recognised that the clearing of the Gnangara pines would have positive, rather than negative, environmental effects. Logging will increase the amount of groundwater recharge to groundwater-dependent systems, which are presently under stress due to historically low groundwater levels.
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