Hon. Sally Talbot questions the environmental assessment for the Perth Waterfront project regarding dolphin habitats, citing expert disagreement. The Minister's response avoids specifics, stating environmental safeguards will be in place and the government is committed to river health.

AnsweredQoN 945Legislative Council
Asked
2 November 2011
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

PERTH WATERFRONT PROJECT — DOLPHINS
I refer to claims in the environmental assessment report for the Perth Waterfront project that dolphins are likely to use Perth waters only on a transient basis and that Perth waters is not a foraging site. (1) Is the minister aware that the basis for these claims has been questioned by Dr Hugh Finn who said, “There simply isn’t the information to sustain those statements, and I did not communicate them (or information supporting them) to the consultant.” (2) Does the minister agree with Dr Finn that those statements are a misrepresentation of our current understanding of the ecology of dolphins in the Swan River? (3) What further investigations will be undertaken into the potential impacts of the Perth Waterfront project on dolphins, given the view of dolphin experts that there is currently a lack of scientific information about the usage and ecological significance of Perth waters for dolphins? (4) Who will conduct these investigations, when will they be completed, and will the results be made public? Hon HELEN MORTON

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1)–(4) The Minister for Environment was not made aware of the individual submission by Dr Finn. In progressing the development of the Perth Waterfront project, all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that appropriate environmental safeguards are in place. The state government remains firmly committed to ensuring a wide range of programs will be delivered to restore and protect the health of the rivers.
(1) Is the minister aware that the basis for these claims has been questioned by Dr Hugh Finn who said, “There simply isn’t the information to sustain those statements, and I did not communicate them (or information supporting them) to the consultant.” (2) Does the minister agree with Dr Finn that those statements are a misrepresentation of our current understanding of the ecology of dolphins in the Swan River? (3) What further investigations will be undertaken into the potential impacts of the Perth Waterfront project on dolphins, given the view of dolphin experts that there is currently a lack of scientific information about the usage and ecological significance of Perth waters for dolphins? (4) Who will conduct these investigations, when will they be completed, and will the results be made public? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1)–(4) The Minister for Environment was not made aware of the individual submission by Dr Finn. In progressing the development of the Perth Waterfront project, all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that appropriate environmental safeguards are in place. The state government remains firmly committed to ensuring a wide range of programs will be delivered to restore and protect the health of the rivers.
(2) Does the minister agree with Dr Finn that those statements are a misrepresentation of our current understanding of the ecology of dolphins in the Swan River? (3) What further investigations will be undertaken into the potential impacts of the Perth Waterfront project on dolphins, given the view of dolphin experts that there is currently a lack of scientific information about the usage and ecological significance of Perth waters for dolphins? (4) Who will conduct these investigations, when will they be completed, and will the results be made public? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1)–(4) The Minister for Environment was not made aware of the individual submission by Dr Finn. In progressing the development of the Perth Waterfront project, all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that appropriate environmental safeguards are in place. The state government remains firmly committed to ensuring a wide range of programs will be delivered to restore and protect the health of the rivers.
(3) What further investigations will be undertaken into the potential impacts of the Perth Waterfront project on dolphins, given the view of dolphin experts that there is currently a lack of scientific information about the usage and ecological significance of Perth waters for dolphins? (4) Who will conduct these investigations, when will they be completed, and will the results be made public? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1)–(4) The Minister for Environment was not made aware of the individual submission by Dr Finn. In progressing the development of the Perth Waterfront project, all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that appropriate environmental safeguards are in place. The state government remains firmly committed to ensuring a wide range of programs will be delivered to restore and protect the health of the rivers.
(4) Who will conduct these investigations, when will they be completed, and will the results be made public? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1)–(4) The Minister for Environment was not made aware of the individual submission by Dr Finn. In progressing the development of the Perth Waterfront project, all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that appropriate environmental safeguards are in place. The state government remains firmly committed to ensuring a wide range of programs will be delivered to restore and protect the health of the rivers.
Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1)–(4) The Minister for Environment was not made aware of the individual submission by Dr Finn. In progressing the development of the Perth Waterfront project, all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that appropriate environmental safeguards are in place. The state government remains firmly committed to ensuring a wide range of programs will be delivered to restore and protect the health of the rivers.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. (1)–(4) The Minister for Environment was not made aware of the individual submission by Dr Finn. In progressing the development of the Perth Waterfront project, all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that appropriate environmental safeguards are in place. The state government remains firmly committed to ensuring a wide range of programs will be delivered to restore and protect the health of the rivers.
(1)–(4) The Minister for Environment was not made aware of the individual submission by Dr Finn. In progressing the development of the Perth Waterfront project, all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that appropriate environmental safeguards are in place. The state government remains firmly committed to ensuring a wide range of programs will be delivered to restore and protect the health of the rivers.

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