❓ Question regarding the impact of the Browse LNG precinct on West Kimberley dinosaur trackways, specifically referencing a statement about the EPA's prior knowledge and the validity of environmental approvals. The Minister acknowledges awareness but disputes the reported EPA comment and defends the strategic precinct approach.
AnsweredQoN 280Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
The West Kimberley National Heritage places, as gazetted in 2011, includes the Dampier Coast dinosaur trackways, which are recognised as having “outstanding heritage value to the nation” because they record “the best and most extensive evidence of dinosaurs from the western half of the continent, some of which are unknown from body fossils, for the diversity and exceptional sizes of the sauropod prints and the unique census of the dinosaur community that they provide.” In relation to these trackways, I ask: (a) is the Minister aware of the statement of the palaeontologist Dr Stephen Salisbury, as reported on ABC Kimberley Radio on 17 July 2012, that in 2011 he had discussed the potential impact of the Browse LNG precinct upon the dinosaur trackways located at the James Price Point site with the Chairperson of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), who advised Dr Salisbury that "had the EPA known of such sites in 2008, then they would have picked a different site"; (b) in light of the
decision by the Supreme Court on 19 August 2013 declaring the environmental
approval of the Browse LNG precinct invalid, is it now time for the Minister to
recommend to the State to abandon its plans for this development at James Price
Point; and (c) if no to (b), why not?
decision by the Supreme Court on 19 August 2013 declaring the environmental
approval of the Browse LNG precinct invalid, is it now time for the Minister to
recommend to the State to abandon its plans for this development at James Price
Point; and (c) if no to (b), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
15 October 2013
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health representing the Minister for Environment
Response time
35 days
The Minister for Environment has provided the following information.
(a) Yes, however the EPA Chairman has advised the Minister for Environment that he does not recall making these comments to Dr Salisbury.
(b) No.
(c) The proposal for a strategic precinct allows for multiple LNG users to be co-located on a single site, avoiding the spread of a number of LNG processing sites along the coast and in more sensitive parts of the Kimberley. The State intends to continue with the necessary approvals to provide for future opportunities for LNG development.
(a) Yes, however the EPA Chairman has advised the Minister for Environment that he does not recall making these comments to Dr Salisbury.
(b) No.
(c) The proposal for a strategic precinct allows for multiple LNG users to be co-located on a single site, avoiding the spread of a number of LNG processing sites along the coast and in more sensitive parts of the Kimberley. The State intends to continue with the necessary approvals to provide for future opportunities for LNG development.
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