Home›Questions on Notice›QoN 1507

❓ I refer to claims that urban infill and subdivision are contributing to waterlogging in the Swan Valley, and I ask: (a) has the Department assessed the cumulative impact of development on groundwater

AnsweredQoN 1507Legislative Council

Asked

14 April 2026

Member

Hon Anthony Spagnolo

Portfolio

Aboriginal Affairs; Water; Climate Resilience; South West

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to claims that urban infill and subdivision are contributing to waterlogging in the Swan Valley, and I ask: (a) has the Department assessed the cumulative impact of development on groundwater behaviour; and (b) if yes to (a), what were the findings?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

14 May 2026

Responded by

Leader of the House representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; Water; Climate Resilience; South West

Response time

6 days

(a) Potential local water impacts - which can include cumulative impacts - of development on groundwater behaviours in the catchment scale are typically assessed by environmental, hydrological and engineering consultants engaged by proponents as part of the land planning process, consistent with State Planning Policy 2.9: Water. The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is responsible for reviewing water management reports and providing advice to decision makers, when referred.
(b) Final approved water management reports, including modellings and findings, from this process are held by the decision-making authorities including the Western Australian Planning Commission and local government.

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