❓ Mr. Zempilas questions DFES's role in assessing and ensuring compliance of utility-scale solar farms regarding fire safety. The Minister's answer deflects responsibility to the Minister for Planning and Lands, highlighting DFES's referral agency role.
AnsweredQoN 722Legislative Assembly
Asked
9 September 2025
Member
Portfolio
Emergency Services; Corrective Services; Defence Industries; Veterans; Racing and Gaming
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to all approved/constructed utility-scale solar farms since 1 January 2021, and I ask: (a) how many proposals did Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) assess for appliance access, turning circles and water supply; (b) how many were approved with conditions or recommendations; (c) how many completed sites have verified on-the-ground compliance checks by DFES; (d) how many non-compliance issues were identified (by type); (e) what enforcement or rectification actions followed; and (f) will the Minister table a list of sites and their compliance status?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 October 2025
Responded by
Minister for Emergency Services; Corrective Services; Defence Industries; Veterans; Racing and Gaming
Response time
6 days
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) advises:
(a) 13.
(b-f) DFES has a referral agency role in the State planning framework.
Should approval be granted for a utility-scale solar farm, the decision maker of the development approval is responsible for any relevant compliance, enforcement and rectification actions.
The member may wish to refer the question to the Minister for Planning and Lands for consideration of response.
(a) 13.
(b-f) DFES has a referral agency role in the State planning framework.
Should approval be granted for a utility-scale solar farm, the decision maker of the development approval is responsible for any relevant compliance, enforcement and rectification actions.
The member may wish to refer the question to the Minister for Planning and Lands for consideration of response.
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