❓ Question regarding the destruction of native vegetation for the Ocean Reef Marina development and the EPA's decision-making process. The Minister's response details the negotiated planning outcome and clarifies the review of EPA processes.
AnsweredQoN 5320Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) How can a positive conservation outcome be achieved when the destruction of 19.5 hectares of high conservation value native coastal vegetation in the Bush Forever site BF 325 is proposed? (2) Is the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA's) decision not to assess the terrestrial component of the Ocean Reef Marina development proposal under Part IV Division 3 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 part of the current review of decisions made by the EPA? (3) What is meant by the term 'Bush Forever Negotiated Planning Outcome'?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
10 May 2016
Responded by
Minister for Environment
Response time
35 days
Minister Jacob has delegated his powers and functions with respect to the development of the Ocean Reef Marina to the Deputy Premier; Minister for Police; Road Safety; Training and Workforce Development; Women’s Interests to ensure that there is no conflicts of interest in his role as the Member for Ocean Reef. Therefore the following response has been provided by Minister Harvey.
(1) The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) referred an MRS amendment to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for the Ocean Reef Marina development. The EPA determined to not assess the scheme amendment and provided advice to the WAPC regarding the impacts of clearing 19.5 ha of native vegetation within Bush Forever site 325. The advice stated that the impacts to the Bush Forever site will be adequately compensated through a Negotiated Planning Outcome, which is to include the rehabilitation and addition to the conservation estate of suitable site/s, to be agreed between the Department of Planning, Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority before final approval of MRS Amendment.
I am advised that the proponent is identifying appropriate sites to meet EPA’s requirements and in accordance with State Planning Policy 2.8 – Bushland Policy for the Perth Metropolitan Region.
I am also advised that the area of native vegetation to be impacted by the development has been reduced to 16.79 ha.
(2) There is no current review of EPA decisions. The Minister for Environment has appointed an independent Legal and Governance Review Panel to examine the EPA's processes for the development and application of policy for environmental impact assessment, to ensure they are consistent with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 .
(3) The term 'Bush Forever Negotiated Planning Outcome' denotes the planning offset required to adequately compensate for the impacts to Bush Forever site 325 in accordance with State Planning Policy 2.8 – Bushland Policy for the Perth Metropolitan. The Negotiated Planning Outcome is being developed in accordance with the criteria in appendix 4 of SPP 2.8 to ensure an acceptable conservation outcome is achieved.
(1) The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) referred an MRS amendment to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for the Ocean Reef Marina development. The EPA determined to not assess the scheme amendment and provided advice to the WAPC regarding the impacts of clearing 19.5 ha of native vegetation within Bush Forever site 325. The advice stated that the impacts to the Bush Forever site will be adequately compensated through a Negotiated Planning Outcome, which is to include the rehabilitation and addition to the conservation estate of suitable site/s, to be agreed between the Department of Planning, Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority before final approval of MRS Amendment.
I am advised that the proponent is identifying appropriate sites to meet EPA’s requirements and in accordance with State Planning Policy 2.8 – Bushland Policy for the Perth Metropolitan Region.
I am also advised that the area of native vegetation to be impacted by the development has been reduced to 16.79 ha.
(2) There is no current review of EPA decisions. The Minister for Environment has appointed an independent Legal and Governance Review Panel to examine the EPA's processes for the development and application of policy for environmental impact assessment, to ensure they are consistent with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 .
(3) The term 'Bush Forever Negotiated Planning Outcome' denotes the planning offset required to adequately compensate for the impacts to Bush Forever site 325 in accordance with State Planning Policy 2.8 – Bushland Policy for the Perth Metropolitan. The Negotiated Planning Outcome is being developed in accordance with the criteria in appendix 4 of SPP 2.8 to ensure an acceptable conservation outcome is achieved.
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