❓ Hon Brian Ellis asks about the status of discussions regarding an artificial reef for the Geraldton windsurfing community due to the Oakajee port development. The Minister indicates the government will not make the reef a pre-condition but will consider social and environmental impacts.
AnsweredQoN 196Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
GERALDTON WINDSURFING CLUB — ARTIFICIAL REEF
I refer to lobbying by the Geraldton windsurfing community for assistance to build an artificial reef to replace their current natural amenity, in the event that the Oakajee port proceeds. Given that regional areas rely heavily on sporting activities to bond local communities and provide a healthy outlet for, in particular, young people, I ask — (1) Will the minister advise the status of discussions between the windsurfers and staff at the Department for Planning and Infrastructure? (2) What is the outcome of the said discussions to date? (3) Will the government provide assistance; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA
I refer to lobbying by the Geraldton windsurfing community for assistance to build an artificial reef to replace their current natural amenity, in the event that the Oakajee port proceeds. Given that regional areas rely heavily on sporting activities to bond local communities and provide a healthy outlet for, in particular, young people, I ask — (1) Will the minister advise the status of discussions between the windsurfers and staff at the Department for Planning and Infrastructure? (2) What is the outcome of the said discussions to date? (3) Will the government provide assistance; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) On 26 February 2008, staff from the office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure spoke with Mr Greg Burrows, president of the Geraldton Windsurfing Club, and others. The minister has since written to Mr Burrows to convey her views. (2) The Geraldton Windsurfing Club has requested that Spot X be replaced by the construction of an artificial reef at a suitable nearby location by the proponents awarded the contract to build the Oakajee port. On the basis of the engineering advice provided, the minister has indicated that she is unable to support the proposal to impose this requirement on the proponents. There are doubts about the efficacy of artificial reefs in comparison to naturally existing surf conditions and also about whether Spot X can be emulated. It is unlikely that an artificial reef could replicate the bathymetry and the unique wind and wave conditions at Spot X. A number of alternative surfing spots are available along the coast for the limited number of surfers who frequently use Spot X. (3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
(1) Will the minister advise the status of discussions between the windsurfers and staff at the Department for Planning and Infrastructure? (2) What is the outcome of the said discussions to date? (3) Will the government provide assistance; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) On 26 February 2008, staff from the office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure spoke with Mr Greg Burrows, president of the Geraldton Windsurfing Club, and others. The minister has since written to Mr Burrows to convey her views. (2) The Geraldton Windsurfing Club has requested that Spot X be replaced by the construction of an artificial reef at a suitable nearby location by the proponents awarded the contract to build the Oakajee port. On the basis of the engineering advice provided, the minister has indicated that she is unable to support the proposal to impose this requirement on the proponents. There are doubts about the efficacy of artificial reefs in comparison to naturally existing surf conditions and also about whether Spot X can be emulated. It is unlikely that an artificial reef could replicate the bathymetry and the unique wind and wave conditions at Spot X. A number of alternative surfing spots are available along the coast for the limited number of surfers who frequently use Spot X. (3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
(2) What is the outcome of the said discussions to date? (3) Will the government provide assistance; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) On 26 February 2008, staff from the office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure spoke with Mr Greg Burrows, president of the Geraldton Windsurfing Club, and others. The minister has since written to Mr Burrows to convey her views. (2) The Geraldton Windsurfing Club has requested that Spot X be replaced by the construction of an artificial reef at a suitable nearby location by the proponents awarded the contract to build the Oakajee port. On the basis of the engineering advice provided, the minister has indicated that she is unable to support the proposal to impose this requirement on the proponents. There are doubts about the efficacy of artificial reefs in comparison to naturally existing surf conditions and also about whether Spot X can be emulated. It is unlikely that an artificial reef could replicate the bathymetry and the unique wind and wave conditions at Spot X. A number of alternative surfing spots are available along the coast for the limited number of surfers who frequently use Spot X. (3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
(3) Will the government provide assistance; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) On 26 February 2008, staff from the office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure spoke with Mr Greg Burrows, president of the Geraldton Windsurfing Club, and others. The minister has since written to Mr Burrows to convey her views. (2) The Geraldton Windsurfing Club has requested that Spot X be replaced by the construction of an artificial reef at a suitable nearby location by the proponents awarded the contract to build the Oakajee port. On the basis of the engineering advice provided, the minister has indicated that she is unable to support the proposal to impose this requirement on the proponents. There are doubts about the efficacy of artificial reefs in comparison to naturally existing surf conditions and also about whether Spot X can be emulated. It is unlikely that an artificial reef could replicate the bathymetry and the unique wind and wave conditions at Spot X. A number of alternative surfing spots are available along the coast for the limited number of surfers who frequently use Spot X. (3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) On 26 February 2008, staff from the office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure spoke with Mr Greg Burrows, president of the Geraldton Windsurfing Club, and others. The minister has since written to Mr Burrows to convey her views. (2) The Geraldton Windsurfing Club has requested that Spot X be replaced by the construction of an artificial reef at a suitable nearby location by the proponents awarded the contract to build the Oakajee port. On the basis of the engineering advice provided, the minister has indicated that she is unable to support the proposal to impose this requirement on the proponents. There are doubts about the efficacy of artificial reefs in comparison to naturally existing surf conditions and also about whether Spot X can be emulated. It is unlikely that an artificial reef could replicate the bathymetry and the unique wind and wave conditions at Spot X. A number of alternative surfing spots are available along the coast for the limited number of surfers who frequently use Spot X. (3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) On 26 February 2008, staff from the office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure spoke with Mr Greg Burrows, president of the Geraldton Windsurfing Club, and others. The minister has since written to Mr Burrows to convey her views. (2) The Geraldton Windsurfing Club has requested that Spot X be replaced by the construction of an artificial reef at a suitable nearby location by the proponents awarded the contract to build the Oakajee port. On the basis of the engineering advice provided, the minister has indicated that she is unable to support the proposal to impose this requirement on the proponents. There are doubts about the efficacy of artificial reefs in comparison to naturally existing surf conditions and also about whether Spot X can be emulated. It is unlikely that an artificial reef could replicate the bathymetry and the unique wind and wave conditions at Spot X. A number of alternative surfing spots are available along the coast for the limited number of surfers who frequently use Spot X. (3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
(1) On 26 February 2008, staff from the office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure spoke with Mr Greg Burrows, president of the Geraldton Windsurfing Club, and others. The minister has since written to Mr Burrows to convey her views. (2) The Geraldton Windsurfing Club has requested that Spot X be replaced by the construction of an artificial reef at a suitable nearby location by the proponents awarded the contract to build the Oakajee port. On the basis of the engineering advice provided, the minister has indicated that she is unable to support the proposal to impose this requirement on the proponents. There are doubts about the efficacy of artificial reefs in comparison to naturally existing surf conditions and also about whether Spot X can be emulated. It is unlikely that an artificial reef could replicate the bathymetry and the unique wind and wave conditions at Spot X. A number of alternative surfing spots are available along the coast for the limited number of surfers who frequently use Spot X. (3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
(2) The Geraldton Windsurfing Club has requested that Spot X be replaced by the construction of an artificial reef at a suitable nearby location by the proponents awarded the contract to build the Oakajee port. On the basis of the engineering advice provided, the minister has indicated that she is unable to support the proposal to impose this requirement on the proponents. There are doubts about the efficacy of artificial reefs in comparison to naturally existing surf conditions and also about whether Spot X can be emulated. It is unlikely that an artificial reef could replicate the bathymetry and the unique wind and wave conditions at Spot X. A number of alternative surfing spots are available along the coast for the limited number of surfers who frequently use Spot X. (3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
(3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
(1) Will the minister advise the status of discussions between the windsurfers and staff at the Department for Planning and Infrastructure? (2) What is the outcome of the said discussions to date? (3) Will the government provide assistance; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) On 26 February 2008, staff from the office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure spoke with Mr Greg Burrows, president of the Geraldton Windsurfing Club, and others. The minister has since written to Mr Burrows to convey her views. (2) The Geraldton Windsurfing Club has requested that Spot X be replaced by the construction of an artificial reef at a suitable nearby location by the proponents awarded the contract to build the Oakajee port. On the basis of the engineering advice provided, the minister has indicated that she is unable to support the proposal to impose this requirement on the proponents. There are doubts about the efficacy of artificial reefs in comparison to naturally existing surf conditions and also about whether Spot X can be emulated. It is unlikely that an artificial reef could replicate the bathymetry and the unique wind and wave conditions at Spot X. A number of alternative surfing spots are available along the coast for the limited number of surfers who frequently use Spot X. (3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
(2) What is the outcome of the said discussions to date? (3) Will the government provide assistance; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) On 26 February 2008, staff from the office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure spoke with Mr Greg Burrows, president of the Geraldton Windsurfing Club, and others. The minister has since written to Mr Burrows to convey her views. (2) The Geraldton Windsurfing Club has requested that Spot X be replaced by the construction of an artificial reef at a suitable nearby location by the proponents awarded the contract to build the Oakajee port. On the basis of the engineering advice provided, the minister has indicated that she is unable to support the proposal to impose this requirement on the proponents. There are doubts about the efficacy of artificial reefs in comparison to naturally existing surf conditions and also about whether Spot X can be emulated. It is unlikely that an artificial reef could replicate the bathymetry and the unique wind and wave conditions at Spot X. A number of alternative surfing spots are available along the coast for the limited number of surfers who frequently use Spot X. (3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
(3) Will the government provide assistance; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) On 26 February 2008, staff from the office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure spoke with Mr Greg Burrows, president of the Geraldton Windsurfing Club, and others. The minister has since written to Mr Burrows to convey her views. (2) The Geraldton Windsurfing Club has requested that Spot X be replaced by the construction of an artificial reef at a suitable nearby location by the proponents awarded the contract to build the Oakajee port. On the basis of the engineering advice provided, the minister has indicated that she is unable to support the proposal to impose this requirement on the proponents. There are doubts about the efficacy of artificial reefs in comparison to naturally existing surf conditions and also about whether Spot X can be emulated. It is unlikely that an artificial reef could replicate the bathymetry and the unique wind and wave conditions at Spot X. A number of alternative surfing spots are available along the coast for the limited number of surfers who frequently use Spot X. (3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) On 26 February 2008, staff from the office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure spoke with Mr Greg Burrows, president of the Geraldton Windsurfing Club, and others. The minister has since written to Mr Burrows to convey her views. (2) The Geraldton Windsurfing Club has requested that Spot X be replaced by the construction of an artificial reef at a suitable nearby location by the proponents awarded the contract to build the Oakajee port. On the basis of the engineering advice provided, the minister has indicated that she is unable to support the proposal to impose this requirement on the proponents. There are doubts about the efficacy of artificial reefs in comparison to naturally existing surf conditions and also about whether Spot X can be emulated. It is unlikely that an artificial reef could replicate the bathymetry and the unique wind and wave conditions at Spot X. A number of alternative surfing spots are available along the coast for the limited number of surfers who frequently use Spot X. (3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) On 26 February 2008, staff from the office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure spoke with Mr Greg Burrows, president of the Geraldton Windsurfing Club, and others. The minister has since written to Mr Burrows to convey her views. (2) The Geraldton Windsurfing Club has requested that Spot X be replaced by the construction of an artificial reef at a suitable nearby location by the proponents awarded the contract to build the Oakajee port. On the basis of the engineering advice provided, the minister has indicated that she is unable to support the proposal to impose this requirement on the proponents. There are doubts about the efficacy of artificial reefs in comparison to naturally existing surf conditions and also about whether Spot X can be emulated. It is unlikely that an artificial reef could replicate the bathymetry and the unique wind and wave conditions at Spot X. A number of alternative surfing spots are available along the coast for the limited number of surfers who frequently use Spot X. (3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
(1) On 26 February 2008, staff from the office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure spoke with Mr Greg Burrows, president of the Geraldton Windsurfing Club, and others. The minister has since written to Mr Burrows to convey her views. (2) The Geraldton Windsurfing Club has requested that Spot X be replaced by the construction of an artificial reef at a suitable nearby location by the proponents awarded the contract to build the Oakajee port. On the basis of the engineering advice provided, the minister has indicated that she is unable to support the proposal to impose this requirement on the proponents. There are doubts about the efficacy of artificial reefs in comparison to naturally existing surf conditions and also about whether Spot X can be emulated. It is unlikely that an artificial reef could replicate the bathymetry and the unique wind and wave conditions at Spot X. A number of alternative surfing spots are available along the coast for the limited number of surfers who frequently use Spot X. (3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
(2) The Geraldton Windsurfing Club has requested that Spot X be replaced by the construction of an artificial reef at a suitable nearby location by the proponents awarded the contract to build the Oakajee port. On the basis of the engineering advice provided, the minister has indicated that she is unable to support the proposal to impose this requirement on the proponents. There are doubts about the efficacy of artificial reefs in comparison to naturally existing surf conditions and also about whether Spot X can be emulated. It is unlikely that an artificial reef could replicate the bathymetry and the unique wind and wave conditions at Spot X. A number of alternative surfing spots are available along the coast for the limited number of surfers who frequently use Spot X. (3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
(3) In recent correspondence, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has advised the Geraldton Windsurfing Club that she is not prepared to make the construction of an artificial reef a pre-condition for the construction of Oakajee port. However, as part of the request for proposals—issued by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure—to construct a deepwater port at Oakajee, the respondents will be evaluated on both social and environmental criteria, and will be required to demonstrate their understanding of local attitudes and the issues associated with or affected by the development and the operation of the port, including recreation on the coastline.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.