❓ Dr. Pettitt questions the Minister about the long delay in finalizing wetland buffer guidelines, crucial for balancing urban development and environmental protection. The Minister acknowledges the delay and outlines ongoing efforts to develop updated guidelines in collaboration with multiple departments.
AnsweredQoN 2004Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the Minister aware of the Wetlands Conservation Policy for Western Australia which was published by the State Government in 1997? (2) Is the Minister aware of initiative 1.9 of this policy which states, “the Government will develop guidelines based on ecological grounds for provision of buffers between proposed developments and wetlands”? (3) Is the Minister aware that the Western Australian Planning Commission released for public comment, in December 2005, a document entitled, Guideline for the Determination of Wetland Buffer Requirements ? (4) Given the Government’s recently expressed desire to expedite urban development and streamline environmental approvals, why has this guideline remained unfinished and unpublished for more than 18 years? (5) What plans does the Minister have to finalise this important planning document? (6) If none, in reference to (5), why not? (7) When will the final guidelines for wetland buffers be published and made publicly available?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 May 2024
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food representing the Minister for Planning
Response time
8 days
(1 – 3)
Yes.
(4 – 7)
The draft Guideline for Determination of Wetland Buffer Requirements and a range of other policy and guidance documents across the Government guide the determination of wetland buffers in land use planning decision making.
The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, on behalf of the Western Australian Planning Commission, is leading the development of a ‘Position Statement: Wetlands’ and ‘Wetlands Guidelines’, which are being prepared in collaboration with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
Public consultation drafts will be released in due course.
Yes.
(4 – 7)
The draft Guideline for Determination of Wetland Buffer Requirements and a range of other policy and guidance documents across the Government guide the determination of wetland buffers in land use planning decision making.
The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, on behalf of the Western Australian Planning Commission, is leading the development of a ‘Position Statement: Wetlands’ and ‘Wetlands Guidelines’, which are being prepared in collaboration with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
Public consultation drafts will be released in due course.
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