❓ A WA parliamentary question raises concerns about the Perth-Bunbury Highway's impact on residents, compensation fairness, and construction-related issues like flooding and dust. The Minister addresses these concerns, emphasizing the project's overall benefits and SGA's efforts to mitigate negative impacts.
AnsweredQoN 897Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
PERTH-BUNBURY HIGHWAY
I refer to the new Perth-Bunbury highway. (1) Does the minister think it is fair to require residents who will be affected by the new highway to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway? (2) Is the minister aware that neighbouring landowners have been impacted by events like flooding, loss of telephone services and excessive dust as a result of the highway construction? (3) Does the minister think it is acceptable that the Southern Gateway Alliance—SGA—requires affected property owners to drop all claims for compensation for these events against the SGA before they can receive a basic architectural package involving widow shutters, landscaping and other minor measures intended to limit the impacts? (4) Have all noise bunds along the highway been built to the correct heights? (5) Will the bund walls ensure that homes alongside the highway will not have headlights shining directly into them? (6) Do the letters that SGA requires landowners to sign before receiving an architectural package also remove the owners’ right to pursue any claim for further compensation for land or amenity already resumed? The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN
I refer to the new Perth-Bunbury highway. (1) Does the minister think it is fair to require residents who will be affected by the new highway to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway? (2) Is the minister aware that neighbouring landowners have been impacted by events like flooding, loss of telephone services and excessive dust as a result of the highway construction? (3) Does the minister think it is acceptable that the Southern Gateway Alliance—SGA—requires affected property owners to drop all claims for compensation for these events against the SGA before they can receive a basic architectural package involving widow shutters, landscaping and other minor measures intended to limit the impacts? (4) Have all noise bunds along the highway been built to the correct heights? (5) Will the bund walls ensure that homes alongside the highway will not have headlights shining directly into them? (6) Do the letters that SGA requires landowners to sign before receiving an architectural package also remove the owners’ right to pursue any claim for further compensation for land or amenity already resumed? The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN
AnswerView source ↗
Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(1) Does the minister think it is fair to require residents who will be affected by the new highway to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway? (2) Is the minister aware that neighbouring landowners have been impacted by events like flooding, loss of telephone services and excessive dust as a result of the highway construction? (3) Does the minister think it is acceptable that the Southern Gateway Alliance—SGA—requires affected property owners to drop all claims for compensation for these events against the SGA before they can receive a basic architectural package involving widow shutters, landscaping and other minor measures intended to limit the impacts? (4) Have all noise bunds along the highway been built to the correct heights? (5) Will the bund walls ensure that homes alongside the highway will not have headlights shining directly into them? (6) Do the letters that SGA requires landowners to sign before receiving an architectural package also remove the owners’ right to pursue any claim for further compensation for land or amenity already resumed? The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(2) Is the minister aware that neighbouring landowners have been impacted by events like flooding, loss of telephone services and excessive dust as a result of the highway construction? (3) Does the minister think it is acceptable that the Southern Gateway Alliance—SGA—requires affected property owners to drop all claims for compensation for these events against the SGA before they can receive a basic architectural package involving widow shutters, landscaping and other minor measures intended to limit the impacts? (4) Have all noise bunds along the highway been built to the correct heights? (5) Will the bund walls ensure that homes alongside the highway will not have headlights shining directly into them? (6) Do the letters that SGA requires landowners to sign before receiving an architectural package also remove the owners’ right to pursue any claim for further compensation for land or amenity already resumed? The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(3) Does the minister think it is acceptable that the Southern Gateway Alliance—SGA—requires affected property owners to drop all claims for compensation for these events against the SGA before they can receive a basic architectural package involving widow shutters, landscaping and other minor measures intended to limit the impacts? (4) Have all noise bunds along the highway been built to the correct heights? (5) Will the bund walls ensure that homes alongside the highway will not have headlights shining directly into them? (6) Do the letters that SGA requires landowners to sign before receiving an architectural package also remove the owners’ right to pursue any claim for further compensation for land or amenity already resumed? The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(4) Have all noise bunds along the highway been built to the correct heights? (5) Will the bund walls ensure that homes alongside the highway will not have headlights shining directly into them? (6) Do the letters that SGA requires landowners to sign before receiving an architectural package also remove the owners’ right to pursue any claim for further compensation for land or amenity already resumed? The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(5) Will the bund walls ensure that homes alongside the highway will not have headlights shining directly into them? (6) Do the letters that SGA requires landowners to sign before receiving an architectural package also remove the owners’ right to pursue any claim for further compensation for land or amenity already resumed? The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(6) Do the letters that SGA requires landowners to sign before receiving an architectural package also remove the owners’ right to pursue any claim for further compensation for land or amenity already resumed? The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(1) Does the minister think it is fair to require residents who will be affected by the new highway to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway? (2) Is the minister aware that neighbouring landowners have been impacted by events like flooding, loss of telephone services and excessive dust as a result of the highway construction? (3) Does the minister think it is acceptable that the Southern Gateway Alliance—SGA—requires affected property owners to drop all claims for compensation for these events against the SGA before they can receive a basic architectural package involving widow shutters, landscaping and other minor measures intended to limit the impacts? (4) Have all noise bunds along the highway been built to the correct heights? (5) Will the bund walls ensure that homes alongside the highway will not have headlights shining directly into them? (6) Do the letters that SGA requires landowners to sign before receiving an architectural package also remove the owners’ right to pursue any claim for further compensation for land or amenity already resumed? The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(2) Is the minister aware that neighbouring landowners have been impacted by events like flooding, loss of telephone services and excessive dust as a result of the highway construction? (3) Does the minister think it is acceptable that the Southern Gateway Alliance—SGA—requires affected property owners to drop all claims for compensation for these events against the SGA before they can receive a basic architectural package involving widow shutters, landscaping and other minor measures intended to limit the impacts? (4) Have all noise bunds along the highway been built to the correct heights? (5) Will the bund walls ensure that homes alongside the highway will not have headlights shining directly into them? (6) Do the letters that SGA requires landowners to sign before receiving an architectural package also remove the owners’ right to pursue any claim for further compensation for land or amenity already resumed? The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(3) Does the minister think it is acceptable that the Southern Gateway Alliance—SGA—requires affected property owners to drop all claims for compensation for these events against the SGA before they can receive a basic architectural package involving widow shutters, landscaping and other minor measures intended to limit the impacts? (4) Have all noise bunds along the highway been built to the correct heights? (5) Will the bund walls ensure that homes alongside the highway will not have headlights shining directly into them? (6) Do the letters that SGA requires landowners to sign before receiving an architectural package also remove the owners’ right to pursue any claim for further compensation for land or amenity already resumed? The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(4) Have all noise bunds along the highway been built to the correct heights? (5) Will the bund walls ensure that homes alongside the highway will not have headlights shining directly into them? (6) Do the letters that SGA requires landowners to sign before receiving an architectural package also remove the owners’ right to pursue any claim for further compensation for land or amenity already resumed? The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(5) Will the bund walls ensure that homes alongside the highway will not have headlights shining directly into them? (6) Do the letters that SGA requires landowners to sign before receiving an architectural package also remove the owners’ right to pursue any claim for further compensation for land or amenity already resumed? The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(6) Do the letters that SGA requires landowners to sign before receiving an architectural package also remove the owners’ right to pursue any claim for further compensation for land or amenity already resumed? The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
The PRESIDENT : The first part of the question sought an opinion, but it is up to the Minister for Transport whether and how he answers it. Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
Mr President, parts (1), (3) and (6) of the question all sought my opinion. I will try to work around the framing of the question to give the member the information that he seeks, which raises some important issues. (1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(1) This was a question that invited my opinion about residents having to agree to a final settlement for compensation measures before they have experienced the full impacts of the new highway. The government would assert that the impacts of this new road system will be overwhelmingly positive for Western Australians. It will save lives as well as give convenience. However, in response to this question, as a general principle landowners are free to choose when they are prepared to agree to a final settlement for compensation; that is a decision for them. (2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(2) The Southern Gateway Alliance has advised that some localised flooding has occurred while the construction works for the new Perth-Bunbury highway have been in progress. SGA has subsequently addressed the problems. Likewise some telephone services may have been inadvertently affected. The Southern Gateway Alliance is aware that there may have been some dust issues, but these are not considered to have been excessive. (3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(3) SGA has advised that the proposal for landowners to undertake the architectural package was an arrangement of convenience. The proposal is voluntary. SGA has the option to undertake the works itself. (4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(4) This part is about whether the noise bunds have been built to the correct heights. The answer is yes; however, there is a requirement to monitor the noise and make adjustments in the short term if required. (5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(5) This part related to the bund walls completely shutting out headlights shining on homes. The answer is, no, this is not a requirement for the whole route. However, where an apparent problem with excessive headlights has been identified, the Southern Gateway Alliance has undertaken to address it as far as it is practicable to do so. (6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
(6) Finally, in answer to this part that related to letters and the interpretation that the member—or whoever drafted his question—has inferred they contain, SGA has advised that this is not the intent of the letters. I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
I might say that when there is a project like this, inevitably there will be some impacts on surrounding residents. The government understands—I am sure successive governments will understand—that there will be some individual inconveniences and other problems after the road is opened that will still have to be worked through. We will do that in good faith. That is our intention and that is what we will seek to deliver. We are empathetic to any difficulty that people might face.
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