❓ Hon Robin Chapple questions the Minister for Environment regarding the Koodaideri Iron Ore project, raising concerns about environmental and health impacts, particularly regarding asbestos, wetlands, and public indemnity. The Minister's response indicates existing safeguards are sufficient.
AnsweredQoN 3286Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Koodaideri Iron Ore and Infrastructure Project, and ask: (a) does the Minister share the concerns of the
Department of Health and the Shire of Ashburton that the site should not be disturbed; (b) if no to (a), why not; (c) regarding the railway line that will run along the escarpment near Wittenoom, is the Minister concerned about the disturbance of the wetlands at the Koodaideri Springs itself; (d) if no to (c), why not; (e) will the Minister delay this mine until such time as the strictest environmental safeguards can be
implemented; and (f) what public indemnity will the Government seek from Rio Tinto regarding the ecological/environmental
safeguards and public health concerns?
Department of Health and the Shire of Ashburton that the site should not be disturbed; (b) if no to (a), why not; (c) regarding the railway line that will run along the escarpment near Wittenoom, is the Minister concerned about the disturbance of the wetlands at the Koodaideri Springs itself; (d) if no to (c), why not; (e) will the Minister delay this mine until such time as the strictest environmental safeguards can be
implemented; and (f) what public indemnity will the Government seek from Rio Tinto regarding the ecological/environmental
safeguards and public health concerns?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
15 September 2015
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health representing the Minister for Environment
Response time
35 days
The Minister for Environment has provided the following response.
(a)-(b) Ministerial Statement 999 contains a condition relating to the management of asbestos for the portion of the Western rail Corridor within the Wittenoom Asbestos Management Area, that requires consultation with the Department of Health.
(c)-(d) No, as the railway line will be located over five kilometres north west of Koodaideri Spring and will therefore not disturb the spring.
(e)-(f) The Minister for Environment considers that Ministerial Statement 999 contains strict environmental and public health safeguards following a rigorous public environmental review process.
(a)-(b) Ministerial Statement 999 contains a condition relating to the management of asbestos for the portion of the Western rail Corridor within the Wittenoom Asbestos Management Area, that requires consultation with the Department of Health.
(c)-(d) No, as the railway line will be located over five kilometres north west of Koodaideri Spring and will therefore not disturb the spring.
(e)-(f) The Minister for Environment considers that Ministerial Statement 999 contains strict environmental and public health safeguards following a rigorous public environmental review process.
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