Hon George Cash raises concerns about the lack of public consultation regarding the Kununurra Water Source Protection Plan, prompting the Minister for the Environment to address the Shire's concerns and offer further discussions.

AnsweredQoN 1006Legislative Council
Asked
12 August 2003
Portfolio
the Environment

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the draft of the Kununurra Water Source Protection Plan prepared by the Waters and Rivers Commission -
(1) Is the Minister aware of the concern of the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley of the lack of public consultation undertaken by the Water and Rivers Commission with the public, key stakeholders and the Shire during the development of the Plan?
(2) Will the Minister ensure that the Shire and those affected by the proposed water protection boundaries have the opportunity to raise relevant issues regarding the proposal?
(3) In view of the concern of the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley on issues relating to the Kununurra Water Source Protection Plan will the Minister have a senior ministerial officer meet with the Shire to discuss and resolve relevant issues relating to this Plan?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
4 September 2003
Responded by
Minister for Local Government and Regional Development representing the Minister for the Environment
Response time
23 days
(1) I am aware of the Shire’s concerns. The Department of Environment advises that consultation has occurred since 1999, with the Shire, key Government stakeholders, the only private landowner within the proposed water reserve, and other landowners. (2) Yes. Consultation with the Shire, the private landowner, and proponents of land development proposals for the area is, in fact, continuing. In addition inter-agency meetings have been held between the Department of Environment, Department of Planning and Infrastructure, Land Corp, Department of Conservation and Land Management, Department of Health, and the Water Corporation. The issues raised by the Shire and others are being reviewed to develop a strategy to move forward. (3) This matter was raised during the recent Cabinet Meeting in Kununurra, and directly with me after that meeting. Consequently my office has been kept closely informed of all developments. I am also advised that a detailed briefing was given by Senior Officers of the Department of Environment in June 2003 to the Shire Council and the private landowner. I will be pleased to have my office arrange for further discussions on this matter.
(2) Yes. Consultation with the Shire, the private landowner, and proponents of land development proposals for the area is, in fact, continuing. In addition inter-agency meetings have been held between the Department of Environment, Department of Planning and Infrastructure, Land Corp, Department of Conservation and Land Management, Department of Health, and the Water Corporation. The issues raised by the Shire and others are being reviewed to develop a strategy to move forward. (3) This matter was raised during the recent Cabinet Meeting in Kununurra, and directly with me after that meeting. Consequently my office has been kept closely informed of all developments. I am also advised that a detailed briefing was given by Senior Officers of the Department of Environment in June 2003 to the Shire Council and the private landowner. I will be pleased to have my office arrange for further discussions on this matter.
(3) This matter was raised during the recent Cabinet Meeting in Kununurra, and directly with me after that meeting. Consequently my office has been kept closely informed of all developments. I am also advised that a detailed briefing was given by Senior Officers of the Department of Environment in June 2003 to the Shire Council and the private landowner. I will be pleased to have my office arrange for further discussions on this matter.

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