❓ A parliamentary question addresses concerns regarding South 32's bauxite mining operations near Boddington and their potential impact on groundwater, salinity, farmland, and protected forests. The Minister acknowledges the concerns and outlines ongoing investigations by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
AnsweredQoN 2063Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to South 32's bauxite mining operations near Boddington and report of changes to groundwater levels and salinity which are adversely impacting surrounding farmland and protected forest areas and I ask:(a) is the Minister aware of these reports and concerns raised by local landholders and stakeholders;(b) what investigations/testing is currently underway into groundwater and salinity levels in the areas surrounding the mine or in the general Boddington area;(c) will these investigations/tests include reviewing long term historical records and independents monitoring of water and salinity levels in the affected area;(d) if investigations/testing is currently underway, what results or findings have been identified to date;(e) will the Government commit to independent monitoring and verification of water levels and salinity, separate from any proponent-led assessments;(f) what specific measures will be taken to mitigate or reverse any identified impacts on agricultural land and protected forest areas;(g) has the Government considered compensation or remediation frameworks for affected landholders, and if so, what do these include;(h) what engagement has occurred with local communities, landholders and environmental groups regarding these concerns; and(i) will the Minister table any reports, data or findings arising from these investigations?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 May 2026
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment
Response time
6 days
(a) Yes.
(b) The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is investigating these matters. The investigation has included the sampling and analysis of water and soil from several locations including the Augustus River, the Hotham River and 34 Mile Brook at Marradong. Hydrogeological data is also being analysed.
(c) Yes, longer term historical records will be reviewed.
(d) - (i)
Sampling results have been received and are currently under review by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. As the investigation is on-going it would not be appropriate to provide further details at this time. The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation will review the information collected to date and will consider seeking independent monitoring and verification if deemed appropriate. The investigation into potential impacts is still ongoing and next steps have not yet been confirmed.
(b) The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is investigating these matters. The investigation has included the sampling and analysis of water and soil from several locations including the Augustus River, the Hotham River and 34 Mile Brook at Marradong. Hydrogeological data is also being analysed.
(c) Yes, longer term historical records will be reviewed.
(d) - (i)
Sampling results have been received and are currently under review by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. As the investigation is on-going it would not be appropriate to provide further details at this time. The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation will review the information collected to date and will consider seeking independent monitoring and verification if deemed appropriate. The investigation into potential impacts is still ongoing and next steps have not yet been confirmed.
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