❓ Question on Notice regarding the proposed Western Agricultural Industries (WAI) cotton project in the west Kimberley, focusing on water usage and sustainability.
AnsweredQoN 568Legislative Council
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With regard to the proposed Western Agricultural Industries Pty Ltd cotton project in the west Kimberley, I ask - (1) What is the estimated water use of stage 1 of the WAI cotton proposal; from where is it intended to obtain this water; how will this water be stored; what engineering works will be required to store and transport this water; and, how many hectares of cotton and other crops will use this water? (2) Will the minister provide a summary for (1) for stage 2 of the WAI cotton proposal? (3) How does the estimated water use for stage 1 of the proposal compare with that used in Ord stage 1? (4) How does the estimated water use for stage 2 of this proposal compare with the estimated water use for Ord stage 2? Hon TOM STEPHENS
AnswerView source ↗
I seek leave to have the answer incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
(1) What is the estimated water use of stage 1 of the WAI cotton proposal; from where is it intended to obtain this water; how will this water be stored; what engineering works will be required to store and transport this water; and, how many hectares of cotton and other crops will use this water? (2) Will the minister provide a summary for (1) for stage 2 of the WAI cotton proposal? (3) How does the estimated water use for stage 1 of the proposal compare with that used in Ord stage 1? (4) How does the estimated water use for stage 2 of this proposal compare with the estimated water use for Ord stage 2? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I seek leave to have the answer incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
(2) Will the minister provide a summary for (1) for stage 2 of the WAI cotton proposal? (3) How does the estimated water use for stage 1 of the proposal compare with that used in Ord stage 1? (4) How does the estimated water use for stage 2 of this proposal compare with the estimated water use for Ord stage 2? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I seek leave to have the answer incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
(3) How does the estimated water use for stage 1 of the proposal compare with that used in Ord stage 1? (4) How does the estimated water use for stage 2 of this proposal compare with the estimated water use for Ord stage 2? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I seek leave to have the answer incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
(4) How does the estimated water use for stage 2 of this proposal compare with the estimated water use for Ord stage 2? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I seek leave to have the answer incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I seek leave to have the answer incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
I seek leave to have the answer incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
(1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
· The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops.
· Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops.
· WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops.
· WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops.
· WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops.
· WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops.
(4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
(1) What is the estimated water use of stage 1 of the WAI cotton proposal; from where is it intended to obtain this water; how will this water be stored; what engineering works will be required to store and transport this water; and, how many hectares of cotton and other crops will use this water? (2) Will the minister provide a summary for (1) for stage 2 of the WAI cotton proposal? (3) How does the estimated water use for stage 1 of the proposal compare with that used in Ord stage 1? (4) How does the estimated water use for stage 2 of this proposal compare with the estimated water use for Ord stage 2? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I seek leave to have the answer incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
(2) Will the minister provide a summary for (1) for stage 2 of the WAI cotton proposal? (3) How does the estimated water use for stage 1 of the proposal compare with that used in Ord stage 1? (4) How does the estimated water use for stage 2 of this proposal compare with the estimated water use for Ord stage 2? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I seek leave to have the answer incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
(3) How does the estimated water use for stage 1 of the proposal compare with that used in Ord stage 1? (4) How does the estimated water use for stage 2 of this proposal compare with the estimated water use for Ord stage 2? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I seek leave to have the answer incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
(4) How does the estimated water use for stage 2 of this proposal compare with the estimated water use for Ord stage 2? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I seek leave to have the answer incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I seek leave to have the answer incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
I seek leave to have the answer incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
The Minister for the Environment has provided the following response: (1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
(1) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 of its cotton proposal is 190 GL/yr. · WAI propose to take this from groundwater in the La Grange groundwater area south of Broome. However, there is insufficient information at present to determine whether this amount of water can be taken from this groundwater system on a sustainable basis. · The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (2) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 of its cotton proposal is 1,800 Gl/yr. · This water is intended to be taken from the Fitzroy River by pumping during the wet season when the river is in flood. · WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops. (3) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 1 is more than half that of Ord Stage 1, which is approximately 300 GL/yr for off-take to the open channel system. (4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
· The water would not be stored but pumped directly from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. · Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops.
· Details have not been provided by WAI but it is anticipated that groundwater would be drawn from a series of bores located in or adjacent to cotton crop areas with distribution pipes to transport the water to subsurface irrigation lines within the crop area. · WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops.
· WAI estimates that Stage 1 will irrigate approximately 20,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops.
· WAI have indicated that it intends to store the water by artificially recharging the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of the proposed crop areas. · WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops.
· WAI have indicated that the water would be pumped from the river during the wet season, transported by open channels to the irrigation area and discharged into large holding ponds to allow the water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer. Details of the engineering works proposed to achieve this have not been provided by WAI. · WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops.
· WAI estimates that Stage 2 will irrigate approximately 180,000 Ha of cotton and some other crops.
(4) WAI’s estimated water use for Stage 2 is about two and a half times larger than that of Ord Stage 2 which may be up to 710 GL/yr allowing for downstream developments as well as developments in the M2 area (the final amount is dependent on negotiations with Pacific Hydro and future power requirements).
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