❓ Mr Waldron questions the Premier about the Wellington Dam recovery project, specifically regarding the allocation of water to Perth versus local use and the involvement of the regional development committee. The Premier's response outlines the ongoing review by the water task force and Water Corporation, without directly answering the specific questions.
AnsweredQoN 646Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
In the Premier’s capacity as chairman of the cabinet standing committee on regional development, and with reference to his remarks in this place on 9 April 2003 that the Wellington Dam recovery project would inject 15 gigalitres into Perth’s integrated water supply scheme, I ask - (1) Has the Government carried out a cost-benefit analysis of sending the water to the metropolitan area rather than using it locally in the region? (2) Why will 15 gigalitres go to the city and not be used in the south west irrigation area, where 500 farmers generate product worth $100 million to Western Australia’s economy each year? (3) Did the Premier’s cabinet standing committee on regional development have input into this decision? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) The whole question of the Wellington Dam project is being considered by the Government’s water task force. As the member knows, we have a comprehensive plan to deal with the fact that our State is becoming drier and run-off into the dams has reduced. This Government introduced a range of measures that will see more conservation of water, new supplies of water and better reuse of existing water within Western Australia. The Wellington Dam project is being considered within that context by the Water Corporation, and, following the devised strategy, the water task force. That is the framework within which it is being considered. I am not sure whether this issue is on the agenda of the regional subcommittee, but I will check that for the member. I am pleased to be the chairman of that committee; it is one of the most interesting committees I have been on while in government. The committee meets in not only Perth, but also around Western Australia. It has been very successful, and I am very pleased to comment on its work. Work is currently being done on the Wellington Dam proposal to determine whether it will be possible to access that water, and, if so, how much water will be available to not only the city, but also the integrated water scheme generally, which includes the wheatbelt and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area. A determination will also be made on whether water will be available to the irrigators, because we are improving the quality of the water. I am happy to provide a more detailed response to the member for Wagin. However, by way of a quick summary, the issue is being dealt with by the water task force and the Water Corporation, not the regional development committee. I will check whether that item is on its agenda. Clearly, we are looking to use that water as part of the integrated system. We are talking about a big dam. Extra water may also be available for use in the general district.
(1) Has the Government carried out a cost-benefit analysis of sending the water to the metropolitan area rather than using it locally in the region? (2) Why will 15 gigalitres go to the city and not be used in the south west irrigation area, where 500 farmers generate product worth $100 million to Western Australia’s economy each year? (3) Did the Premier’s cabinet standing committee on regional development have input into this decision? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of the Wellington Dam project is being considered by the Government’s water task force. As the member knows, we have a comprehensive plan to deal with the fact that our State is becoming drier and run-off into the dams has reduced. This Government introduced a range of measures that will see more conservation of water, new supplies of water and better reuse of existing water within Western Australia. The Wellington Dam project is being considered within that context by the Water Corporation, and, following the devised strategy, the water task force. That is the framework within which it is being considered. I am not sure whether this issue is on the agenda of the regional subcommittee, but I will check that for the member. I am pleased to be the chairman of that committee; it is one of the most interesting committees I have been on while in government. The committee meets in not only Perth, but also around Western Australia. It has been very successful, and I am very pleased to comment on its work. Work is currently being done on the Wellington Dam proposal to determine whether it will be possible to access that water, and, if so, how much water will be available to not only the city, but also the integrated water scheme generally, which includes the wheatbelt and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area. A determination will also be made on whether water will be available to the irrigators, because we are improving the quality of the water. I am happy to provide a more detailed response to the member for Wagin. However, by way of a quick summary, the issue is being dealt with by the water task force and the Water Corporation, not the regional development committee. I will check whether that item is on its agenda. Clearly, we are looking to use that water as part of the integrated system. We are talking about a big dam. Extra water may also be available for use in the general district.
(2) Why will 15 gigalitres go to the city and not be used in the south west irrigation area, where 500 farmers generate product worth $100 million to Western Australia’s economy each year? (3) Did the Premier’s cabinet standing committee on regional development have input into this decision? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of the Wellington Dam project is being considered by the Government’s water task force. As the member knows, we have a comprehensive plan to deal with the fact that our State is becoming drier and run-off into the dams has reduced. This Government introduced a range of measures that will see more conservation of water, new supplies of water and better reuse of existing water within Western Australia. The Wellington Dam project is being considered within that context by the Water Corporation, and, following the devised strategy, the water task force. That is the framework within which it is being considered. I am not sure whether this issue is on the agenda of the regional subcommittee, but I will check that for the member. I am pleased to be the chairman of that committee; it is one of the most interesting committees I have been on while in government. The committee meets in not only Perth, but also around Western Australia. It has been very successful, and I am very pleased to comment on its work. Work is currently being done on the Wellington Dam proposal to determine whether it will be possible to access that water, and, if so, how much water will be available to not only the city, but also the integrated water scheme generally, which includes the wheatbelt and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area. A determination will also be made on whether water will be available to the irrigators, because we are improving the quality of the water. I am happy to provide a more detailed response to the member for Wagin. However, by way of a quick summary, the issue is being dealt with by the water task force and the Water Corporation, not the regional development committee. I will check whether that item is on its agenda. Clearly, we are looking to use that water as part of the integrated system. We are talking about a big dam. Extra water may also be available for use in the general district.
(3) Did the Premier’s cabinet standing committee on regional development have input into this decision? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of the Wellington Dam project is being considered by the Government’s water task force. As the member knows, we have a comprehensive plan to deal with the fact that our State is becoming drier and run-off into the dams has reduced. This Government introduced a range of measures that will see more conservation of water, new supplies of water and better reuse of existing water within Western Australia. The Wellington Dam project is being considered within that context by the Water Corporation, and, following the devised strategy, the water task force. That is the framework within which it is being considered. I am not sure whether this issue is on the agenda of the regional subcommittee, but I will check that for the member. I am pleased to be the chairman of that committee; it is one of the most interesting committees I have been on while in government. The committee meets in not only Perth, but also around Western Australia. It has been very successful, and I am very pleased to comment on its work. Work is currently being done on the Wellington Dam proposal to determine whether it will be possible to access that water, and, if so, how much water will be available to not only the city, but also the integrated water scheme generally, which includes the wheatbelt and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area. A determination will also be made on whether water will be available to the irrigators, because we are improving the quality of the water. I am happy to provide a more detailed response to the member for Wagin. However, by way of a quick summary, the issue is being dealt with by the water task force and the Water Corporation, not the regional development committee. I will check whether that item is on its agenda. Clearly, we are looking to use that water as part of the integrated system. We are talking about a big dam. Extra water may also be available for use in the general district.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of the Wellington Dam project is being considered by the Government’s water task force. As the member knows, we have a comprehensive plan to deal with the fact that our State is becoming drier and run-off into the dams has reduced. This Government introduced a range of measures that will see more conservation of water, new supplies of water and better reuse of existing water within Western Australia. The Wellington Dam project is being considered within that context by the Water Corporation, and, following the devised strategy, the water task force. That is the framework within which it is being considered. I am not sure whether this issue is on the agenda of the regional subcommittee, but I will check that for the member. I am pleased to be the chairman of that committee; it is one of the most interesting committees I have been on while in government. The committee meets in not only Perth, but also around Western Australia. It has been very successful, and I am very pleased to comment on its work. Work is currently being done on the Wellington Dam proposal to determine whether it will be possible to access that water, and, if so, how much water will be available to not only the city, but also the integrated water scheme generally, which includes the wheatbelt and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area. A determination will also be made on whether water will be available to the irrigators, because we are improving the quality of the water. I am happy to provide a more detailed response to the member for Wagin. However, by way of a quick summary, the issue is being dealt with by the water task force and the Water Corporation, not the regional development committee. I will check whether that item is on its agenda. Clearly, we are looking to use that water as part of the integrated system. We are talking about a big dam. Extra water may also be available for use in the general district.
(1)-(3) The whole question of the Wellington Dam project is being considered by the Government’s water task force. As the member knows, we have a comprehensive plan to deal with the fact that our State is becoming drier and run-off into the dams has reduced. This Government introduced a range of measures that will see more conservation of water, new supplies of water and better reuse of existing water within Western Australia. The Wellington Dam project is being considered within that context by the Water Corporation, and, following the devised strategy, the water task force. That is the framework within which it is being considered. I am not sure whether this issue is on the agenda of the regional subcommittee, but I will check that for the member. I am pleased to be the chairman of that committee; it is one of the most interesting committees I have been on while in government. The committee meets in not only Perth, but also around Western Australia. It has been very successful, and I am very pleased to comment on its work. Work is currently being done on the Wellington Dam proposal to determine whether it will be possible to access that water, and, if so, how much water will be available to not only the city, but also the integrated water scheme generally, which includes the wheatbelt and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area. A determination will also be made on whether water will be available to the irrigators, because we are improving the quality of the water. I am happy to provide a more detailed response to the member for Wagin. However, by way of a quick summary, the issue is being dealt with by the water task force and the Water Corporation, not the regional development committee. I will check whether that item is on its agenda. Clearly, we are looking to use that water as part of the integrated system. We are talking about a big dam. Extra water may also be available for use in the general district.
(1) Has the Government carried out a cost-benefit analysis of sending the water to the metropolitan area rather than using it locally in the region? (2) Why will 15 gigalitres go to the city and not be used in the south west irrigation area, where 500 farmers generate product worth $100 million to Western Australia’s economy each year? (3) Did the Premier’s cabinet standing committee on regional development have input into this decision? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of the Wellington Dam project is being considered by the Government’s water task force. As the member knows, we have a comprehensive plan to deal with the fact that our State is becoming drier and run-off into the dams has reduced. This Government introduced a range of measures that will see more conservation of water, new supplies of water and better reuse of existing water within Western Australia. The Wellington Dam project is being considered within that context by the Water Corporation, and, following the devised strategy, the water task force. That is the framework within which it is being considered. I am not sure whether this issue is on the agenda of the regional subcommittee, but I will check that for the member. I am pleased to be the chairman of that committee; it is one of the most interesting committees I have been on while in government. The committee meets in not only Perth, but also around Western Australia. It has been very successful, and I am very pleased to comment on its work. Work is currently being done on the Wellington Dam proposal to determine whether it will be possible to access that water, and, if so, how much water will be available to not only the city, but also the integrated water scheme generally, which includes the wheatbelt and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area. A determination will also be made on whether water will be available to the irrigators, because we are improving the quality of the water. I am happy to provide a more detailed response to the member for Wagin. However, by way of a quick summary, the issue is being dealt with by the water task force and the Water Corporation, not the regional development committee. I will check whether that item is on its agenda. Clearly, we are looking to use that water as part of the integrated system. We are talking about a big dam. Extra water may also be available for use in the general district.
(2) Why will 15 gigalitres go to the city and not be used in the south west irrigation area, where 500 farmers generate product worth $100 million to Western Australia’s economy each year? (3) Did the Premier’s cabinet standing committee on regional development have input into this decision? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of the Wellington Dam project is being considered by the Government’s water task force. As the member knows, we have a comprehensive plan to deal with the fact that our State is becoming drier and run-off into the dams has reduced. This Government introduced a range of measures that will see more conservation of water, new supplies of water and better reuse of existing water within Western Australia. The Wellington Dam project is being considered within that context by the Water Corporation, and, following the devised strategy, the water task force. That is the framework within which it is being considered. I am not sure whether this issue is on the agenda of the regional subcommittee, but I will check that for the member. I am pleased to be the chairman of that committee; it is one of the most interesting committees I have been on while in government. The committee meets in not only Perth, but also around Western Australia. It has been very successful, and I am very pleased to comment on its work. Work is currently being done on the Wellington Dam proposal to determine whether it will be possible to access that water, and, if so, how much water will be available to not only the city, but also the integrated water scheme generally, which includes the wheatbelt and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area. A determination will also be made on whether water will be available to the irrigators, because we are improving the quality of the water. I am happy to provide a more detailed response to the member for Wagin. However, by way of a quick summary, the issue is being dealt with by the water task force and the Water Corporation, not the regional development committee. I will check whether that item is on its agenda. Clearly, we are looking to use that water as part of the integrated system. We are talking about a big dam. Extra water may also be available for use in the general district.
(3) Did the Premier’s cabinet standing committee on regional development have input into this decision? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of the Wellington Dam project is being considered by the Government’s water task force. As the member knows, we have a comprehensive plan to deal with the fact that our State is becoming drier and run-off into the dams has reduced. This Government introduced a range of measures that will see more conservation of water, new supplies of water and better reuse of existing water within Western Australia. The Wellington Dam project is being considered within that context by the Water Corporation, and, following the devised strategy, the water task force. That is the framework within which it is being considered. I am not sure whether this issue is on the agenda of the regional subcommittee, but I will check that for the member. I am pleased to be the chairman of that committee; it is one of the most interesting committees I have been on while in government. The committee meets in not only Perth, but also around Western Australia. It has been very successful, and I am very pleased to comment on its work. Work is currently being done on the Wellington Dam proposal to determine whether it will be possible to access that water, and, if so, how much water will be available to not only the city, but also the integrated water scheme generally, which includes the wheatbelt and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area. A determination will also be made on whether water will be available to the irrigators, because we are improving the quality of the water. I am happy to provide a more detailed response to the member for Wagin. However, by way of a quick summary, the issue is being dealt with by the water task force and the Water Corporation, not the regional development committee. I will check whether that item is on its agenda. Clearly, we are looking to use that water as part of the integrated system. We are talking about a big dam. Extra water may also be available for use in the general district.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of the Wellington Dam project is being considered by the Government’s water task force. As the member knows, we have a comprehensive plan to deal with the fact that our State is becoming drier and run-off into the dams has reduced. This Government introduced a range of measures that will see more conservation of water, new supplies of water and better reuse of existing water within Western Australia. The Wellington Dam project is being considered within that context by the Water Corporation, and, following the devised strategy, the water task force. That is the framework within which it is being considered. I am not sure whether this issue is on the agenda of the regional subcommittee, but I will check that for the member. I am pleased to be the chairman of that committee; it is one of the most interesting committees I have been on while in government. The committee meets in not only Perth, but also around Western Australia. It has been very successful, and I am very pleased to comment on its work. Work is currently being done on the Wellington Dam proposal to determine whether it will be possible to access that water, and, if so, how much water will be available to not only the city, but also the integrated water scheme generally, which includes the wheatbelt and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area. A determination will also be made on whether water will be available to the irrigators, because we are improving the quality of the water. I am happy to provide a more detailed response to the member for Wagin. However, by way of a quick summary, the issue is being dealt with by the water task force and the Water Corporation, not the regional development committee. I will check whether that item is on its agenda. Clearly, we are looking to use that water as part of the integrated system. We are talking about a big dam. Extra water may also be available for use in the general district.
(1)-(3) The whole question of the Wellington Dam project is being considered by the Government’s water task force. As the member knows, we have a comprehensive plan to deal with the fact that our State is becoming drier and run-off into the dams has reduced. This Government introduced a range of measures that will see more conservation of water, new supplies of water and better reuse of existing water within Western Australia. The Wellington Dam project is being considered within that context by the Water Corporation, and, following the devised strategy, the water task force. That is the framework within which it is being considered. I am not sure whether this issue is on the agenda of the regional subcommittee, but I will check that for the member. I am pleased to be the chairman of that committee; it is one of the most interesting committees I have been on while in government. The committee meets in not only Perth, but also around Western Australia. It has been very successful, and I am very pleased to comment on its work. Work is currently being done on the Wellington Dam proposal to determine whether it will be possible to access that water, and, if so, how much water will be available to not only the city, but also the integrated water scheme generally, which includes the wheatbelt and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area. A determination will also be made on whether water will be available to the irrigators, because we are improving the quality of the water. I am happy to provide a more detailed response to the member for Wagin. However, by way of a quick summary, the issue is being dealt with by the water task force and the Water Corporation, not the regional development committee. I will check whether that item is on its agenda. Clearly, we are looking to use that water as part of the integrated system. We are talking about a big dam. Extra water may also be available for use in the general district.
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