❓ Dr. Thomas questions the Water Corporation's payment of local government rates for land used for pine plantations, contrasting it with the Forest Products Commission's exemption. The Minister clarifies the Water Corporation's obligations under the Government Trading Enterprises Act 2023.
AnsweredQoN 711Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Water Corporation—Pine plantations
711. Hon Dr Steve Thomas to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Water:
I refer to the
purchase and lease of property by the Water Corporation for the purpose of
growing pine plantations.
(1) Does the Water Corporation pay local
government rates for the land that it:
(a) purchases for the
growing of pine trees; or
(b) leases for the growing of pine trees?
(2) If yes to (1), why does the Water Corporation
pay shire rates if the Forest Products Commission does not?
(3) Is the Water Corporation paying shire rates
voluntarily or because it does not have an escape clause like the Forest
Products Commission has under the Forest Products Act
2000 ?
711. Hon Dr Steve Thomas to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Water:
I refer to the
purchase and lease of property by the Water Corporation for the purpose of
growing pine plantations.
(1) Does the Water Corporation pay local
government rates for the land that it:
(a) purchases for the
growing of pine trees; or
(b) leases for the growing of pine trees?
(2) If yes to (1), why does the Water Corporation
pay shire rates if the Forest Products Commission does not?
(3) Is the Water Corporation paying shire rates
voluntarily or because it does not have an escape clause like the Forest
Products Commission has under the Forest Products Act
2000 ?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. This is the Thursday I have
been waiting for!
(1)–(a) Water Corporation pays amounts
equal to local government rates and charges in lieu of local government rates
on the properties it owns. This payment is made directly to RevenueWA. It was previously
the State Treasury.
(1)–(b) Water Corporation does not lease
land for the purpose of growing pine trees.
(2) Water Corporation obligations for payments in
lieu of local government rates falls within section 151 of the Government
Trading Enterprises Act 2023.
(3) Under section 151 of the Government Trading Enterprises Act 2023 , Water
Corporation is obligated to provide payments in lieu of local government rates.
honourable member for some notice of the question. This is the Thursday I have
been waiting for!
(1)–(a) Water Corporation pays amounts
equal to local government rates and charges in lieu of local government rates
on the properties it owns. This payment is made directly to RevenueWA. It was previously
the State Treasury.
(1)–(b) Water Corporation does not lease
land for the purpose of growing pine trees.
(2) Water Corporation obligations for payments in
lieu of local government rates falls within section 151 of the Government
Trading Enterprises Act 2023.
(3) Under section 151 of the Government Trading Enterprises Act 2023 , Water
Corporation is obligated to provide payments in lieu of local government rates.
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