❓ Question regarding unauthorised clearing of native vegetation by BGC, potential environmental damage, and actions to be taken. Minister responds, outlining legal proceedings against the land owner and contractor, investigations, and potential actions under various acts.
AnsweredQoN 951Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
BGC QUARRY SITE, UNAUTHORISED CLEARING
I refer to reports on television channels 7 and 9 on Sunday evening that, although no approval had been received for clearing under the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945, or the Environmental Protection Act 1986, Mr Len Buckeridge of BGC (Australia) Pty Ltd commenced clearing 400 hectares of native vegetation on a property straddling the shires of Northam and Mundaring and ask - (1) What immediate action will be taken to ensure that Mr Len Buckeridge will be dealt a penalty that is commensurate with the extent of the environmental harm and land degradation that he has caused? (2) Will the minister please confirm whether a soil conservation notice has been placed on the property, and that it is registered as a memorial on the certificate of title? (3) Will the Department of Agriculture press charges against the operator of the tree felling machine that caused an officer from the Department of Agriculture, Mr Harry Lauk, to be struck on the head while in the process of approaching the bulldozer drivers to explain the necessity to notify the Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation of the intention to clear? (4) In which catchment or catchments is the clearing proposal located? (a) If it is in the Wooroloo catchment, what action will be taken to ensure the clearing does not lead to a further increase in salinity levels in the catchment? As Wooroloo Brook catchment area has received some $850 000 for land care works over the past decade, can the owners be required to make a financial contribution that would be used to repair the environmental damage they have caused to the catchment? (b) If the clearing is in the Mundaring water supply catchment, will the minister please advise what action will be taken to ensure that the clearing does not diminish the water quality in Mundaring Weir? Hon KIM CHANCE
I refer to reports on television channels 7 and 9 on Sunday evening that, although no approval had been received for clearing under the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945, or the Environmental Protection Act 1986, Mr Len Buckeridge of BGC (Australia) Pty Ltd commenced clearing 400 hectares of native vegetation on a property straddling the shires of Northam and Mundaring and ask - (1) What immediate action will be taken to ensure that Mr Len Buckeridge will be dealt a penalty that is commensurate with the extent of the environmental harm and land degradation that he has caused? (2) Will the minister please confirm whether a soil conservation notice has been placed on the property, and that it is registered as a memorial on the certificate of title? (3) Will the Department of Agriculture press charges against the operator of the tree felling machine that caused an officer from the Department of Agriculture, Mr Harry Lauk, to be struck on the head while in the process of approaching the bulldozer drivers to explain the necessity to notify the Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation of the intention to clear? (4) In which catchment or catchments is the clearing proposal located? (a) If it is in the Wooroloo catchment, what action will be taken to ensure the clearing does not lead to a further increase in salinity levels in the catchment? As Wooroloo Brook catchment area has received some $850 000 for land care works over the past decade, can the owners be required to make a financial contribution that would be used to repair the environmental damage they have caused to the catchment? (b) If the clearing is in the Mundaring water supply catchment, will the minister please advise what action will be taken to ensure that the clearing does not diminish the water quality in Mundaring Weir? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) At this stage, no action has been taken against Mr Len Buckeridge. Legal proceedings have commenced against the owner of the land, Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd, and the contractor, Soiland Garden Supplies Pty Ltd. A Supreme Court injunction has been granted to prevent further clearing until 4.00 pm on Thursday, 20 December 2001. A further court hearing will be held with all parties, with a view to extending the injunction. The Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation is assessing the clearing to ascertain whether there is a land degradation risk. If there is a land degradation risk, the commissioner will issue a soil conservation notice under section 32 of the Soil and Land Conservation Act. The maximum penalty for failure to notify is $2 000. The commissioner also is investigating other parties that may have breached the regulations, and they will be pursued to the full extent of the law. (2) No; a soil conservation notice has not been issued against the property. The property is owned by Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd. (3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(1) What immediate action will be taken to ensure that Mr Len Buckeridge will be dealt a penalty that is commensurate with the extent of the environmental harm and land degradation that he has caused? (2) Will the minister please confirm whether a soil conservation notice has been placed on the property, and that it is registered as a memorial on the certificate of title? (3) Will the Department of Agriculture press charges against the operator of the tree felling machine that caused an officer from the Department of Agriculture, Mr Harry Lauk, to be struck on the head while in the process of approaching the bulldozer drivers to explain the necessity to notify the Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation of the intention to clear? (4) In which catchment or catchments is the clearing proposal located? (a) If it is in the Wooroloo catchment, what action will be taken to ensure the clearing does not lead to a further increase in salinity levels in the catchment? As Wooroloo Brook catchment area has received some $850 000 for land care works over the past decade, can the owners be required to make a financial contribution that would be used to repair the environmental damage they have caused to the catchment? (b) If the clearing is in the Mundaring water supply catchment, will the minister please advise what action will be taken to ensure that the clearing does not diminish the water quality in Mundaring Weir? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) At this stage, no action has been taken against Mr Len Buckeridge. Legal proceedings have commenced against the owner of the land, Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd, and the contractor, Soiland Garden Supplies Pty Ltd. A Supreme Court injunction has been granted to prevent further clearing until 4.00 pm on Thursday, 20 December 2001. A further court hearing will be held with all parties, with a view to extending the injunction. The Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation is assessing the clearing to ascertain whether there is a land degradation risk. If there is a land degradation risk, the commissioner will issue a soil conservation notice under section 32 of the Soil and Land Conservation Act. The maximum penalty for failure to notify is $2 000. The commissioner also is investigating other parties that may have breached the regulations, and they will be pursued to the full extent of the law. (2) No; a soil conservation notice has not been issued against the property. The property is owned by Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd. (3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(2) Will the minister please confirm whether a soil conservation notice has been placed on the property, and that it is registered as a memorial on the certificate of title? (3) Will the Department of Agriculture press charges against the operator of the tree felling machine that caused an officer from the Department of Agriculture, Mr Harry Lauk, to be struck on the head while in the process of approaching the bulldozer drivers to explain the necessity to notify the Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation of the intention to clear? (4) In which catchment or catchments is the clearing proposal located? (a) If it is in the Wooroloo catchment, what action will be taken to ensure the clearing does not lead to a further increase in salinity levels in the catchment? As Wooroloo Brook catchment area has received some $850 000 for land care works over the past decade, can the owners be required to make a financial contribution that would be used to repair the environmental damage they have caused to the catchment? (b) If the clearing is in the Mundaring water supply catchment, will the minister please advise what action will be taken to ensure that the clearing does not diminish the water quality in Mundaring Weir? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) At this stage, no action has been taken against Mr Len Buckeridge. Legal proceedings have commenced against the owner of the land, Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd, and the contractor, Soiland Garden Supplies Pty Ltd. A Supreme Court injunction has been granted to prevent further clearing until 4.00 pm on Thursday, 20 December 2001. A further court hearing will be held with all parties, with a view to extending the injunction. The Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation is assessing the clearing to ascertain whether there is a land degradation risk. If there is a land degradation risk, the commissioner will issue a soil conservation notice under section 32 of the Soil and Land Conservation Act. The maximum penalty for failure to notify is $2 000. The commissioner also is investigating other parties that may have breached the regulations, and they will be pursued to the full extent of the law. (2) No; a soil conservation notice has not been issued against the property. The property is owned by Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd. (3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(3) Will the Department of Agriculture press charges against the operator of the tree felling machine that caused an officer from the Department of Agriculture, Mr Harry Lauk, to be struck on the head while in the process of approaching the bulldozer drivers to explain the necessity to notify the Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation of the intention to clear? (4) In which catchment or catchments is the clearing proposal located? (a) If it is in the Wooroloo catchment, what action will be taken to ensure the clearing does not lead to a further increase in salinity levels in the catchment? As Wooroloo Brook catchment area has received some $850 000 for land care works over the past decade, can the owners be required to make a financial contribution that would be used to repair the environmental damage they have caused to the catchment? (b) If the clearing is in the Mundaring water supply catchment, will the minister please advise what action will be taken to ensure that the clearing does not diminish the water quality in Mundaring Weir? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) At this stage, no action has been taken against Mr Len Buckeridge. Legal proceedings have commenced against the owner of the land, Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd, and the contractor, Soiland Garden Supplies Pty Ltd. A Supreme Court injunction has been granted to prevent further clearing until 4.00 pm on Thursday, 20 December 2001. A further court hearing will be held with all parties, with a view to extending the injunction. The Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation is assessing the clearing to ascertain whether there is a land degradation risk. If there is a land degradation risk, the commissioner will issue a soil conservation notice under section 32 of the Soil and Land Conservation Act. The maximum penalty for failure to notify is $2 000. The commissioner also is investigating other parties that may have breached the regulations, and they will be pursued to the full extent of the law. (2) No; a soil conservation notice has not been issued against the property. The property is owned by Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd. (3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(4) In which catchment or catchments is the clearing proposal located? (a) If it is in the Wooroloo catchment, what action will be taken to ensure the clearing does not lead to a further increase in salinity levels in the catchment? As Wooroloo Brook catchment area has received some $850 000 for land care works over the past decade, can the owners be required to make a financial contribution that would be used to repair the environmental damage they have caused to the catchment? (b) If the clearing is in the Mundaring water supply catchment, will the minister please advise what action will be taken to ensure that the clearing does not diminish the water quality in Mundaring Weir? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) At this stage, no action has been taken against Mr Len Buckeridge. Legal proceedings have commenced against the owner of the land, Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd, and the contractor, Soiland Garden Supplies Pty Ltd. A Supreme Court injunction has been granted to prevent further clearing until 4.00 pm on Thursday, 20 December 2001. A further court hearing will be held with all parties, with a view to extending the injunction. The Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation is assessing the clearing to ascertain whether there is a land degradation risk. If there is a land degradation risk, the commissioner will issue a soil conservation notice under section 32 of the Soil and Land Conservation Act. The maximum penalty for failure to notify is $2 000. The commissioner also is investigating other parties that may have breached the regulations, and they will be pursued to the full extent of the law. (2) No; a soil conservation notice has not been issued against the property. The property is owned by Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd. (3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(b) If the clearing is in the Mundaring water supply catchment, will the minister please advise what action will be taken to ensure that the clearing does not diminish the water quality in Mundaring Weir?
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) At this stage, no action has been taken against Mr Len Buckeridge. Legal proceedings have commenced against the owner of the land, Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd, and the contractor, Soiland Garden Supplies Pty Ltd. A Supreme Court injunction has been granted to prevent further clearing until 4.00 pm on Thursday, 20 December 2001. A further court hearing will be held with all parties, with a view to extending the injunction. The Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation is assessing the clearing to ascertain whether there is a land degradation risk. If there is a land degradation risk, the commissioner will issue a soil conservation notice under section 32 of the Soil and Land Conservation Act. The maximum penalty for failure to notify is $2 000. The commissioner also is investigating other parties that may have breached the regulations, and they will be pursued to the full extent of the law. (2) No; a soil conservation notice has not been issued against the property. The property is owned by Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd. (3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(1) At this stage, no action has been taken against Mr Len Buckeridge. Legal proceedings have commenced against the owner of the land, Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd, and the contractor, Soiland Garden Supplies Pty Ltd. A Supreme Court injunction has been granted to prevent further clearing until 4.00 pm on Thursday, 20 December 2001. A further court hearing will be held with all parties, with a view to extending the injunction. The Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation is assessing the clearing to ascertain whether there is a land degradation risk. If there is a land degradation risk, the commissioner will issue a soil conservation notice under section 32 of the Soil and Land Conservation Act. The maximum penalty for failure to notify is $2 000. The commissioner also is investigating other parties that may have breached the regulations, and they will be pursued to the full extent of the law. (2) No; a soil conservation notice has not been issued against the property. The property is owned by Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd. (3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(2) No; a soil conservation notice has not been issued against the property. The property is owned by Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd. (3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(1) What immediate action will be taken to ensure that Mr Len Buckeridge will be dealt a penalty that is commensurate with the extent of the environmental harm and land degradation that he has caused? (2) Will the minister please confirm whether a soil conservation notice has been placed on the property, and that it is registered as a memorial on the certificate of title? (3) Will the Department of Agriculture press charges against the operator of the tree felling machine that caused an officer from the Department of Agriculture, Mr Harry Lauk, to be struck on the head while in the process of approaching the bulldozer drivers to explain the necessity to notify the Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation of the intention to clear? (4) In which catchment or catchments is the clearing proposal located? (a) If it is in the Wooroloo catchment, what action will be taken to ensure the clearing does not lead to a further increase in salinity levels in the catchment? As Wooroloo Brook catchment area has received some $850 000 for land care works over the past decade, can the owners be required to make a financial contribution that would be used to repair the environmental damage they have caused to the catchment? (b) If the clearing is in the Mundaring water supply catchment, will the minister please advise what action will be taken to ensure that the clearing does not diminish the water quality in Mundaring Weir? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) At this stage, no action has been taken against Mr Len Buckeridge. Legal proceedings have commenced against the owner of the land, Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd, and the contractor, Soiland Garden Supplies Pty Ltd. A Supreme Court injunction has been granted to prevent further clearing until 4.00 pm on Thursday, 20 December 2001. A further court hearing will be held with all parties, with a view to extending the injunction. The Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation is assessing the clearing to ascertain whether there is a land degradation risk. If there is a land degradation risk, the commissioner will issue a soil conservation notice under section 32 of the Soil and Land Conservation Act. The maximum penalty for failure to notify is $2 000. The commissioner also is investigating other parties that may have breached the regulations, and they will be pursued to the full extent of the law. (2) No; a soil conservation notice has not been issued against the property. The property is owned by Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd. (3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(2) Will the minister please confirm whether a soil conservation notice has been placed on the property, and that it is registered as a memorial on the certificate of title? (3) Will the Department of Agriculture press charges against the operator of the tree felling machine that caused an officer from the Department of Agriculture, Mr Harry Lauk, to be struck on the head while in the process of approaching the bulldozer drivers to explain the necessity to notify the Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation of the intention to clear? (4) In which catchment or catchments is the clearing proposal located? (a) If it is in the Wooroloo catchment, what action will be taken to ensure the clearing does not lead to a further increase in salinity levels in the catchment? As Wooroloo Brook catchment area has received some $850 000 for land care works over the past decade, can the owners be required to make a financial contribution that would be used to repair the environmental damage they have caused to the catchment? (b) If the clearing is in the Mundaring water supply catchment, will the minister please advise what action will be taken to ensure that the clearing does not diminish the water quality in Mundaring Weir? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) At this stage, no action has been taken against Mr Len Buckeridge. Legal proceedings have commenced against the owner of the land, Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd, and the contractor, Soiland Garden Supplies Pty Ltd. A Supreme Court injunction has been granted to prevent further clearing until 4.00 pm on Thursday, 20 December 2001. A further court hearing will be held with all parties, with a view to extending the injunction. The Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation is assessing the clearing to ascertain whether there is a land degradation risk. If there is a land degradation risk, the commissioner will issue a soil conservation notice under section 32 of the Soil and Land Conservation Act. The maximum penalty for failure to notify is $2 000. The commissioner also is investigating other parties that may have breached the regulations, and they will be pursued to the full extent of the law. (2) No; a soil conservation notice has not been issued against the property. The property is owned by Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd. (3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(3) Will the Department of Agriculture press charges against the operator of the tree felling machine that caused an officer from the Department of Agriculture, Mr Harry Lauk, to be struck on the head while in the process of approaching the bulldozer drivers to explain the necessity to notify the Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation of the intention to clear? (4) In which catchment or catchments is the clearing proposal located? (a) If it is in the Wooroloo catchment, what action will be taken to ensure the clearing does not lead to a further increase in salinity levels in the catchment? As Wooroloo Brook catchment area has received some $850 000 for land care works over the past decade, can the owners be required to make a financial contribution that would be used to repair the environmental damage they have caused to the catchment? (b) If the clearing is in the Mundaring water supply catchment, will the minister please advise what action will be taken to ensure that the clearing does not diminish the water quality in Mundaring Weir? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) At this stage, no action has been taken against Mr Len Buckeridge. Legal proceedings have commenced against the owner of the land, Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd, and the contractor, Soiland Garden Supplies Pty Ltd. A Supreme Court injunction has been granted to prevent further clearing until 4.00 pm on Thursday, 20 December 2001. A further court hearing will be held with all parties, with a view to extending the injunction. The Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation is assessing the clearing to ascertain whether there is a land degradation risk. If there is a land degradation risk, the commissioner will issue a soil conservation notice under section 32 of the Soil and Land Conservation Act. The maximum penalty for failure to notify is $2 000. The commissioner also is investigating other parties that may have breached the regulations, and they will be pursued to the full extent of the law. (2) No; a soil conservation notice has not been issued against the property. The property is owned by Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd. (3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(4) In which catchment or catchments is the clearing proposal located? (a) If it is in the Wooroloo catchment, what action will be taken to ensure the clearing does not lead to a further increase in salinity levels in the catchment? As Wooroloo Brook catchment area has received some $850 000 for land care works over the past decade, can the owners be required to make a financial contribution that would be used to repair the environmental damage they have caused to the catchment? (b) If the clearing is in the Mundaring water supply catchment, will the minister please advise what action will be taken to ensure that the clearing does not diminish the water quality in Mundaring Weir? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) At this stage, no action has been taken against Mr Len Buckeridge. Legal proceedings have commenced against the owner of the land, Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd, and the contractor, Soiland Garden Supplies Pty Ltd. A Supreme Court injunction has been granted to prevent further clearing until 4.00 pm on Thursday, 20 December 2001. A further court hearing will be held with all parties, with a view to extending the injunction. The Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation is assessing the clearing to ascertain whether there is a land degradation risk. If there is a land degradation risk, the commissioner will issue a soil conservation notice under section 32 of the Soil and Land Conservation Act. The maximum penalty for failure to notify is $2 000. The commissioner also is investigating other parties that may have breached the regulations, and they will be pursued to the full extent of the law. (2) No; a soil conservation notice has not been issued against the property. The property is owned by Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd. (3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(b) If the clearing is in the Mundaring water supply catchment, will the minister please advise what action will be taken to ensure that the clearing does not diminish the water quality in Mundaring Weir?
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) At this stage, no action has been taken against Mr Len Buckeridge. Legal proceedings have commenced against the owner of the land, Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd, and the contractor, Soiland Garden Supplies Pty Ltd. A Supreme Court injunction has been granted to prevent further clearing until 4.00 pm on Thursday, 20 December 2001. A further court hearing will be held with all parties, with a view to extending the injunction. The Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation is assessing the clearing to ascertain whether there is a land degradation risk. If there is a land degradation risk, the commissioner will issue a soil conservation notice under section 32 of the Soil and Land Conservation Act. The maximum penalty for failure to notify is $2 000. The commissioner also is investigating other parties that may have breached the regulations, and they will be pursued to the full extent of the law. (2) No; a soil conservation notice has not been issued against the property. The property is owned by Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd. (3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(1) At this stage, no action has been taken against Mr Len Buckeridge. Legal proceedings have commenced against the owner of the land, Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd, and the contractor, Soiland Garden Supplies Pty Ltd. A Supreme Court injunction has been granted to prevent further clearing until 4.00 pm on Thursday, 20 December 2001. A further court hearing will be held with all parties, with a view to extending the injunction. The Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation is assessing the clearing to ascertain whether there is a land degradation risk. If there is a land degradation risk, the commissioner will issue a soil conservation notice under section 32 of the Soil and Land Conservation Act. The maximum penalty for failure to notify is $2 000. The commissioner also is investigating other parties that may have breached the regulations, and they will be pursued to the full extent of the law. (2) No; a soil conservation notice has not been issued against the property. The property is owned by Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd. (3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(2) No; a soil conservation notice has not been issued against the property. The property is owned by Nabarlek Nominees Pty Ltd. (3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(3) The Department of Agriculture views seriously any interference to staff on official business and is making further inquiries to determine appropriate action. (4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(4) The property lies within both the Wooroloo Brook and the Mundaring Weir catchment areas. It has not yet been established that clearing occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area. (a) If investigations reveal a land degradation hazard in the form of salinity, a soil conservation notice will be issued requiring steps to be taken to mitigate that hazard. Proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act would require landholders who are found guilty of causing environmental harm to make good damage caused to that or other properties within the district. As this matter falls within the portfolio of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, I have referred it to her. (b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
(b) If the Commission of Soil and Land Conservation’s investigation reveals that clearing has occurred within the Mundaring Weir catchment area, the matter will be referred to the Water and Rivers Commission for appropriate action under the Country Areas Water Supply Act.
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