❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses concerns about Holcim Australia's explosive activities on the Burrup Peninsula and their potential impact on rock art, questioning the lack of guidelines similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy. The Minister's response indicates that the Commonwealth government is responsible for assessing environmental impacts under the EPBC Act.
AnsweredQoN 398Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
HOLCIM AUSTRALIA PTY LTD — EXPLOSIVE EVENT
I refer to an explosive event conducted by Holcim Australia at its quarry on the Burrup Peninsula on the afternoon of 1 April 2011, and to answers to questions without notice asked of the Minister for Indigenous Affairs on Tuesday, 17 May 2011. (1) Are there any commitments or guidelines for Holcim Australia similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy for the vibration effect of explosions on surrounding rock art and terraces on the Burrup Peninsula or the national heritage listed area? (2) If no to (1), why not? (3) Is the minister aware that explosions such as the one that occurred at the Holcim quarry dislodge boulders on the Burrup? (4) If no to (3), will the minister avail himself of this information? (5) If yes to (3) and no to (1), what will the minister do about these activities? (6) Will the minister impose explosive impact guidelines, similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy, on Holcim Australia? (7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE
I refer to an explosive event conducted by Holcim Australia at its quarry on the Burrup Peninsula on the afternoon of 1 April 2011, and to answers to questions without notice asked of the Minister for Indigenous Affairs on Tuesday, 17 May 2011. (1) Are there any commitments or guidelines for Holcim Australia similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy for the vibration effect of explosions on surrounding rock art and terraces on the Burrup Peninsula or the national heritage listed area? (2) If no to (1), why not? (3) Is the minister aware that explosions such as the one that occurred at the Holcim quarry dislodge boulders on the Burrup? (4) If no to (3), will the minister avail himself of this information? (5) If yes to (3) and no to (1), what will the minister do about these activities? (6) Will the minister impose explosive impact guidelines, similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy, on Holcim Australia? (7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(1) Are there any commitments or guidelines for Holcim Australia similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy for the vibration effect of explosions on surrounding rock art and terraces on the Burrup Peninsula or the national heritage listed area? (2) If no to (1), why not? (3) Is the minister aware that explosions such as the one that occurred at the Holcim quarry dislodge boulders on the Burrup? (4) If no to (3), will the minister avail himself of this information? (5) If yes to (3) and no to (1), what will the minister do about these activities? (6) Will the minister impose explosive impact guidelines, similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy, on Holcim Australia? (7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(2) If no to (1), why not? (3) Is the minister aware that explosions such as the one that occurred at the Holcim quarry dislodge boulders on the Burrup? (4) If no to (3), will the minister avail himself of this information? (5) If yes to (3) and no to (1), what will the minister do about these activities? (6) Will the minister impose explosive impact guidelines, similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy, on Holcim Australia? (7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(3) Is the minister aware that explosions such as the one that occurred at the Holcim quarry dislodge boulders on the Burrup? (4) If no to (3), will the minister avail himself of this information? (5) If yes to (3) and no to (1), what will the minister do about these activities? (6) Will the minister impose explosive impact guidelines, similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy, on Holcim Australia? (7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(4) If no to (3), will the minister avail himself of this information? (5) If yes to (3) and no to (1), what will the minister do about these activities? (6) Will the minister impose explosive impact guidelines, similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy, on Holcim Australia? (7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(5) If yes to (3) and no to (1), what will the minister do about these activities? (6) Will the minister impose explosive impact guidelines, similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy, on Holcim Australia? (7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(6) Will the minister impose explosive impact guidelines, similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy, on Holcim Australia? (7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(1) Are there any commitments or guidelines for Holcim Australia similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy for the vibration effect of explosions on surrounding rock art and terraces on the Burrup Peninsula or the national heritage listed area? (2) If no to (1), why not? (3) Is the minister aware that explosions such as the one that occurred at the Holcim quarry dislodge boulders on the Burrup? (4) If no to (3), will the minister avail himself of this information? (5) If yes to (3) and no to (1), what will the minister do about these activities? (6) Will the minister impose explosive impact guidelines, similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy, on Holcim Australia? (7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(2) If no to (1), why not? (3) Is the minister aware that explosions such as the one that occurred at the Holcim quarry dislodge boulders on the Burrup? (4) If no to (3), will the minister avail himself of this information? (5) If yes to (3) and no to (1), what will the minister do about these activities? (6) Will the minister impose explosive impact guidelines, similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy, on Holcim Australia? (7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(3) Is the minister aware that explosions such as the one that occurred at the Holcim quarry dislodge boulders on the Burrup? (4) If no to (3), will the minister avail himself of this information? (5) If yes to (3) and no to (1), what will the minister do about these activities? (6) Will the minister impose explosive impact guidelines, similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy, on Holcim Australia? (7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(4) If no to (3), will the minister avail himself of this information? (5) If yes to (3) and no to (1), what will the minister do about these activities? (6) Will the minister impose explosive impact guidelines, similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy, on Holcim Australia? (7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(5) If yes to (3) and no to (1), what will the minister do about these activities? (6) Will the minister impose explosive impact guidelines, similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy, on Holcim Australia? (7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(6) Will the minister impose explosive impact guidelines, similar to those used by Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy, on Holcim Australia? (7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(7) If no to (6), why not? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(1)-(2) The Department of Mines and Petroleum is not aware of this particular explosive event. DMP understands that actions that can adversely affect rock art and national heritage values, which are referred to as matters of national environmental significance, are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This may be the case regarding operations by Rio Tinto, Woodside and Holcim on the Burrup Peninsula. (3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(3)–(5) While I am obviously aware that explosions can dislodge boulders, I am uncertain about what distances from Holcim’s operations the member is referring to. (6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
(6)–(7) Adverse effects on rock art and national heritage values on the Burrup Peninsula are assessed under the commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, thus imposing explosive impact guidelines is a matter for the commonwealth government.
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