❓ Question regarding the McGowan Government's commitment to build a solar farm and biomass plant in Collie, and the subsequent decision to repurpose the funding. The answer reveals no formal process was undertaken and the decision was based on enabling a diverse range of new industries.
AnsweredQoN 5203Legislative Assembly
Asked
12 June 2019
Member
Portfolio
Regional Development; Agriculture and Food; Ports; Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the McGowan Government's election commitment to build a solar farm and a biomass plant in Collie, and ask: (a) Did the government go out to a formal expression of interest process seeking proponents for the projects: (i) If yes, how many potential proponents made a submission; and (ii) If no, did the government undertake any process that sought out interested parties in the projects; (b) Did the minister seek a briefing note from any agency with options to progress the election commitments: (i) If yes, will the minister table the briefing note; and (ii) If no, why not; and (c) Was the lack of an off take agreement for renewable power significant in the government's decision to reverse the election commitment?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
6 August 2019
Responded by
Minister representing the Minister for Regional Development; Agriculture and Food; Ports; Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade
Response time
8 days
(a) No
(i) N/A
(ii) No
(b) A pre-feasibility assessment was conducted on the development of a solar farm and biomass plant in Collie. This assessment informed a decision by Cabinet to rescope the funding commitment to include other industries.
(c) No. The Government’s decision to repurpose the solar and biomass election commitments to form the Collie Industry Attraction and Development Fund (IADF) was to enable a diverse range of new industries for Collie to be considered for funding.
In repurposing the funds to form the IADF, industry opportunities that demonstrate viable and varied employment prospects can be supported. This may include, but is now not limited to, renewable energy projects.
It should be noted that renewable energy projects are also able to apply to both the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund and the Collie Futures Small Grants Program which provide grants of up to $2million and $100,000 respectively, for job-creating projects
(i) N/A
(ii) No
(b) A pre-feasibility assessment was conducted on the development of a solar farm and biomass plant in Collie. This assessment informed a decision by Cabinet to rescope the funding commitment to include other industries.
(c) No. The Government’s decision to repurpose the solar and biomass election commitments to form the Collie Industry Attraction and Development Fund (IADF) was to enable a diverse range of new industries for Collie to be considered for funding.
In repurposing the funds to form the IADF, industry opportunities that demonstrate viable and varied employment prospects can be supported. This may include, but is now not limited to, renewable energy projects.
It should be noted that renewable energy projects are also able to apply to both the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund and the Collie Futures Small Grants Program which provide grants of up to $2million and $100,000 respectively, for job-creating projects
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