❓ A parliamentary question regarding vegetation deaths in a threatened ecological community near a mine site. The Minister acknowledges the decline and outlines investigation and amelioration efforts, but doesn't rule out mining as a cause.
AnsweredQoN 47Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the minister aware of vegetation deaths in the threatened ecological community next to Cable Sands (WA) Pty Ltd’s Tutunup mine site? (2) If so, what action will be taken by the minister? (3) If not, will she investigate the causes? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) I am advised that there has been a decline in vegetation health in the threatened ecological community known as Williamson Road, Busselton ironstone occurrence adjacent to the Tutunup mine. The decline was first noticed by local Department of Conservation and Land Management staff in mid-February during routine inspections of all known sites. This decline is believed to be linked to the drought effects consistent with the summer period exacerbated by below average rainfall over the past three or more years. Hon Christine Sharp : So it has nothing to do with Cable Sands? Hon KIM CHANCE : I do not know yet. Although all vegetation occurrences are found to be showing signs of drought stress, the most severe symptoms are observed at the north west corner of the Williamson Road occurrence, the area in closest proximity to the recently completed mining operations by Cable Sands. This location is one of 14 known occurrences of the southern shrublands of the Swan coastal plain - Busselton ironstones - a critically endangered ecological community. (2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
(2) If so, what action will be taken by the minister? (3) If not, will she investigate the causes? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) I am advised that there has been a decline in vegetation health in the threatened ecological community known as Williamson Road, Busselton ironstone occurrence adjacent to the Tutunup mine. The decline was first noticed by local Department of Conservation and Land Management staff in mid-February during routine inspections of all known sites. This decline is believed to be linked to the drought effects consistent with the summer period exacerbated by below average rainfall over the past three or more years. Hon Christine Sharp : So it has nothing to do with Cable Sands? Hon KIM CHANCE : I do not know yet. Although all vegetation occurrences are found to be showing signs of drought stress, the most severe symptoms are observed at the north west corner of the Williamson Road occurrence, the area in closest proximity to the recently completed mining operations by Cable Sands. This location is one of 14 known occurrences of the southern shrublands of the Swan coastal plain - Busselton ironstones - a critically endangered ecological community. (2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
(3) If not, will she investigate the causes? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) I am advised that there has been a decline in vegetation health in the threatened ecological community known as Williamson Road, Busselton ironstone occurrence adjacent to the Tutunup mine. The decline was first noticed by local Department of Conservation and Land Management staff in mid-February during routine inspections of all known sites. This decline is believed to be linked to the drought effects consistent with the summer period exacerbated by below average rainfall over the past three or more years. Hon Christine Sharp : So it has nothing to do with Cable Sands? Hon KIM CHANCE : I do not know yet. Although all vegetation occurrences are found to be showing signs of drought stress, the most severe symptoms are observed at the north west corner of the Williamson Road occurrence, the area in closest proximity to the recently completed mining operations by Cable Sands. This location is one of 14 known occurrences of the southern shrublands of the Swan coastal plain - Busselton ironstones - a critically endangered ecological community. (2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) I am advised that there has been a decline in vegetation health in the threatened ecological community known as Williamson Road, Busselton ironstone occurrence adjacent to the Tutunup mine. The decline was first noticed by local Department of Conservation and Land Management staff in mid-February during routine inspections of all known sites. This decline is believed to be linked to the drought effects consistent with the summer period exacerbated by below average rainfall over the past three or more years. Hon Christine Sharp : So it has nothing to do with Cable Sands? Hon KIM CHANCE : I do not know yet. Although all vegetation occurrences are found to be showing signs of drought stress, the most severe symptoms are observed at the north west corner of the Williamson Road occurrence, the area in closest proximity to the recently completed mining operations by Cable Sands. This location is one of 14 known occurrences of the southern shrublands of the Swan coastal plain - Busselton ironstones - a critically endangered ecological community. (2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) I am advised that there has been a decline in vegetation health in the threatened ecological community known as Williamson Road, Busselton ironstone occurrence adjacent to the Tutunup mine. The decline was first noticed by local Department of Conservation and Land Management staff in mid-February during routine inspections of all known sites. This decline is believed to be linked to the drought effects consistent with the summer period exacerbated by below average rainfall over the past three or more years. Hon Christine Sharp : So it has nothing to do with Cable Sands? Hon KIM CHANCE : I do not know yet. Although all vegetation occurrences are found to be showing signs of drought stress, the most severe symptoms are observed at the north west corner of the Williamson Road occurrence, the area in closest proximity to the recently completed mining operations by Cable Sands. This location is one of 14 known occurrences of the southern shrublands of the Swan coastal plain - Busselton ironstones - a critically endangered ecological community. (2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
(1) I am advised that there has been a decline in vegetation health in the threatened ecological community known as Williamson Road, Busselton ironstone occurrence adjacent to the Tutunup mine. The decline was first noticed by local Department of Conservation and Land Management staff in mid-February during routine inspections of all known sites. This decline is believed to be linked to the drought effects consistent with the summer period exacerbated by below average rainfall over the past three or more years. Hon Christine Sharp : So it has nothing to do with Cable Sands? Hon KIM CHANCE : I do not know yet. Although all vegetation occurrences are found to be showing signs of drought stress, the most severe symptoms are observed at the north west corner of the Williamson Road occurrence, the area in closest proximity to the recently completed mining operations by Cable Sands. This location is one of 14 known occurrences of the southern shrublands of the Swan coastal plain - Busselton ironstones - a critically endangered ecological community. (2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
Hon Christine Sharp : So it has nothing to do with Cable Sands? Hon KIM CHANCE : I do not know yet. Although all vegetation occurrences are found to be showing signs of drought stress, the most severe symptoms are observed at the north west corner of the Williamson Road occurrence, the area in closest proximity to the recently completed mining operations by Cable Sands. This location is one of 14 known occurrences of the southern shrublands of the Swan coastal plain - Busselton ironstones - a critically endangered ecological community. (2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
Hon KIM CHANCE : I do not know yet. Although all vegetation occurrences are found to be showing signs of drought stress, the most severe symptoms are observed at the north west corner of the Williamson Road occurrence, the area in closest proximity to the recently completed mining operations by Cable Sands. This location is one of 14 known occurrences of the southern shrublands of the Swan coastal plain - Busselton ironstones - a critically endangered ecological community. (2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
(2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
(3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
(2) If so, what action will be taken by the minister? (3) If not, will she investigate the causes? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) I am advised that there has been a decline in vegetation health in the threatened ecological community known as Williamson Road, Busselton ironstone occurrence adjacent to the Tutunup mine. The decline was first noticed by local Department of Conservation and Land Management staff in mid-February during routine inspections of all known sites. This decline is believed to be linked to the drought effects consistent with the summer period exacerbated by below average rainfall over the past three or more years. Hon Christine Sharp : So it has nothing to do with Cable Sands? Hon KIM CHANCE : I do not know yet. Although all vegetation occurrences are found to be showing signs of drought stress, the most severe symptoms are observed at the north west corner of the Williamson Road occurrence, the area in closest proximity to the recently completed mining operations by Cable Sands. This location is one of 14 known occurrences of the southern shrublands of the Swan coastal plain - Busselton ironstones - a critically endangered ecological community. (2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
(3) If not, will she investigate the causes? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) I am advised that there has been a decline in vegetation health in the threatened ecological community known as Williamson Road, Busselton ironstone occurrence adjacent to the Tutunup mine. The decline was first noticed by local Department of Conservation and Land Management staff in mid-February during routine inspections of all known sites. This decline is believed to be linked to the drought effects consistent with the summer period exacerbated by below average rainfall over the past three or more years. Hon Christine Sharp : So it has nothing to do with Cable Sands? Hon KIM CHANCE : I do not know yet. Although all vegetation occurrences are found to be showing signs of drought stress, the most severe symptoms are observed at the north west corner of the Williamson Road occurrence, the area in closest proximity to the recently completed mining operations by Cable Sands. This location is one of 14 known occurrences of the southern shrublands of the Swan coastal plain - Busselton ironstones - a critically endangered ecological community. (2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) I am advised that there has been a decline in vegetation health in the threatened ecological community known as Williamson Road, Busselton ironstone occurrence adjacent to the Tutunup mine. The decline was first noticed by local Department of Conservation and Land Management staff in mid-February during routine inspections of all known sites. This decline is believed to be linked to the drought effects consistent with the summer period exacerbated by below average rainfall over the past three or more years. Hon Christine Sharp : So it has nothing to do with Cable Sands? Hon KIM CHANCE : I do not know yet. Although all vegetation occurrences are found to be showing signs of drought stress, the most severe symptoms are observed at the north west corner of the Williamson Road occurrence, the area in closest proximity to the recently completed mining operations by Cable Sands. This location is one of 14 known occurrences of the southern shrublands of the Swan coastal plain - Busselton ironstones - a critically endangered ecological community. (2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) I am advised that there has been a decline in vegetation health in the threatened ecological community known as Williamson Road, Busselton ironstone occurrence adjacent to the Tutunup mine. The decline was first noticed by local Department of Conservation and Land Management staff in mid-February during routine inspections of all known sites. This decline is believed to be linked to the drought effects consistent with the summer period exacerbated by below average rainfall over the past three or more years. Hon Christine Sharp : So it has nothing to do with Cable Sands? Hon KIM CHANCE : I do not know yet. Although all vegetation occurrences are found to be showing signs of drought stress, the most severe symptoms are observed at the north west corner of the Williamson Road occurrence, the area in closest proximity to the recently completed mining operations by Cable Sands. This location is one of 14 known occurrences of the southern shrublands of the Swan coastal plain - Busselton ironstones - a critically endangered ecological community. (2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
(1) I am advised that there has been a decline in vegetation health in the threatened ecological community known as Williamson Road, Busselton ironstone occurrence adjacent to the Tutunup mine. The decline was first noticed by local Department of Conservation and Land Management staff in mid-February during routine inspections of all known sites. This decline is believed to be linked to the drought effects consistent with the summer period exacerbated by below average rainfall over the past three or more years. Hon Christine Sharp : So it has nothing to do with Cable Sands? Hon KIM CHANCE : I do not know yet. Although all vegetation occurrences are found to be showing signs of drought stress, the most severe symptoms are observed at the north west corner of the Williamson Road occurrence, the area in closest proximity to the recently completed mining operations by Cable Sands. This location is one of 14 known occurrences of the southern shrublands of the Swan coastal plain - Busselton ironstones - a critically endangered ecological community. (2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
Hon Christine Sharp : So it has nothing to do with Cable Sands? Hon KIM CHANCE : I do not know yet. Although all vegetation occurrences are found to be showing signs of drought stress, the most severe symptoms are observed at the north west corner of the Williamson Road occurrence, the area in closest proximity to the recently completed mining operations by Cable Sands. This location is one of 14 known occurrences of the southern shrublands of the Swan coastal plain - Busselton ironstones - a critically endangered ecological community. (2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
Hon KIM CHANCE : I do not know yet. Although all vegetation occurrences are found to be showing signs of drought stress, the most severe symptoms are observed at the north west corner of the Williamson Road occurrence, the area in closest proximity to the recently completed mining operations by Cable Sands. This location is one of 14 known occurrences of the southern shrublands of the Swan coastal plain - Busselton ironstones - a critically endangered ecological community. (2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
(2) The Department of Conservation and Land Management is undertaking amelioration measures including a thorough inventory of all threatened flora species and their condition in the drought-affected area. The department has instigated a weekly watering program and has sought expert hydrological advice on the interpretation of ground water monitoring, and piezometer and neutron probe bores situated in and around the perimeters of the ecological community. Further permanent irrigation facilities and additional monitoring bores are being installed and further condition monitoring is scheduled. (3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
(3) The additional monitoring will contribute to a better understanding of the causes of this decline.
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