❓ The WA parliamentary question concerns the government's policy on relocating the live sheep export facility to the proposed private port in Kwinana and discussions with James Point Pty Ltd. The Minister's response outlines the establishment of an expert panel to advise on port facilities and indicates support for the livestock trade, but no firm decisions have been made regarding the Kwinana location.
AnsweredQoN 12Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
KWINANA — LIVE SHEEP EXPORT FACILITY
(1) What is the government’s policy on the live sheep meat export facility being relocated to the private port proposed for Kwinana? (2) Has the minister had any discussions with James Point Pty Ltd on the live sheep trade? (3) If yes to (2), what was the content of those discussions? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN
(1) What is the government’s policy on the live sheep meat export facility being relocated to the private port proposed for Kwinana? (2) Has the minister had any discussions with James Point Pty Ltd on the live sheep trade? (3) If yes to (2), what was the content of those discussions? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question and for his interest in this matter. (1)-(3) I recently announced the establishment of an expert panel that will help compile options to present to government on the future of port facilities in the metropolitan area. I am hoping that this will be one of the questions that the panel will be giving advice or presenting options to government on so that further decisions can be made. All of that is in the future. (2) This government supports the continuation of the livestock trade. Currently it is being facilitated through a number of locations, but I think the member is concerned primarily about the metropolitan locations. Exports are continuing through the inner harbour at Fremantle. No decisions have been made to stop that, and it is not our policy to stop it. No decisions have been taken by government for new port facilities to be located in Kwinana that would take livestock exports in future. However, I do not imagine that that is a matter the government will have any great difficulty with if it is something that meets all the needs of the industry and of the community. We are about facilitating and encouraging trade. It is not a matter that has invoked a purposeful decision by government thus far (3) I have had a number of conversations over a period with Mr Chris Whittaker, who is the chairman of the James Point Pty Ltd consortium, during which time, both in opposition and I think briefly in government, I have raised whether the consortium was still pursuing the goal it had in 1999-2000 to carry on the livestock export trade at a location down at James Point. The indication I received from him was that, in fact, it was much cooler on the idea than had been the case when it was initially proposed nine or 10 years ago. It is not something that the consortium is particularly championing now. Certainly, the idea that was then put about having livestock holding yards within the heavy industry area, for example, is not being pursued. Frankly, I do not think it ought to be.
(2) Has the minister had any discussions with James Point Pty Ltd on the live sheep trade? (3) If yes to (2), what was the content of those discussions? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for the question and for his interest in this matter. (1)-(3) I recently announced the establishment of an expert panel that will help compile options to present to government on the future of port facilities in the metropolitan area. I am hoping that this will be one of the questions that the panel will be giving advice or presenting options to government on so that further decisions can be made. All of that is in the future. (2) This government supports the continuation of the livestock trade. Currently it is being facilitated through a number of locations, but I think the member is concerned primarily about the metropolitan locations. Exports are continuing through the inner harbour at Fremantle. No decisions have been made to stop that, and it is not our policy to stop it. No decisions have been taken by government for new port facilities to be located in Kwinana that would take livestock exports in future. However, I do not imagine that that is a matter the government will have any great difficulty with if it is something that meets all the needs of the industry and of the community. We are about facilitating and encouraging trade. It is not a matter that has invoked a purposeful decision by government thus far (3) I have had a number of conversations over a period with Mr Chris Whittaker, who is the chairman of the James Point Pty Ltd consortium, during which time, both in opposition and I think briefly in government, I have raised whether the consortium was still pursuing the goal it had in 1999-2000 to carry on the livestock export trade at a location down at James Point. The indication I received from him was that, in fact, it was much cooler on the idea than had been the case when it was initially proposed nine or 10 years ago. It is not something that the consortium is particularly championing now. Certainly, the idea that was then put about having livestock holding yards within the heavy industry area, for example, is not being pursued. Frankly, I do not think it ought to be.
(3) If yes to (2), what was the content of those discussions? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for the question and for his interest in this matter. (1)-(3) I recently announced the establishment of an expert panel that will help compile options to present to government on the future of port facilities in the metropolitan area. I am hoping that this will be one of the questions that the panel will be giving advice or presenting options to government on so that further decisions can be made. All of that is in the future. (2) This government supports the continuation of the livestock trade. Currently it is being facilitated through a number of locations, but I think the member is concerned primarily about the metropolitan locations. Exports are continuing through the inner harbour at Fremantle. No decisions have been made to stop that, and it is not our policy to stop it. No decisions have been taken by government for new port facilities to be located in Kwinana that would take livestock exports in future. However, I do not imagine that that is a matter the government will have any great difficulty with if it is something that meets all the needs of the industry and of the community. We are about facilitating and encouraging trade. It is not a matter that has invoked a purposeful decision by government thus far (3) I have had a number of conversations over a period with Mr Chris Whittaker, who is the chairman of the James Point Pty Ltd consortium, during which time, both in opposition and I think briefly in government, I have raised whether the consortium was still pursuing the goal it had in 1999-2000 to carry on the livestock export trade at a location down at James Point. The indication I received from him was that, in fact, it was much cooler on the idea than had been the case when it was initially proposed nine or 10 years ago. It is not something that the consortium is particularly championing now. Certainly, the idea that was then put about having livestock holding yards within the heavy industry area, for example, is not being pursued. Frankly, I do not think it ought to be.
Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for the question and for his interest in this matter. (1)-(3) I recently announced the establishment of an expert panel that will help compile options to present to government on the future of port facilities in the metropolitan area. I am hoping that this will be one of the questions that the panel will be giving advice or presenting options to government on so that further decisions can be made. All of that is in the future. (2) This government supports the continuation of the livestock trade. Currently it is being facilitated through a number of locations, but I think the member is concerned primarily about the metropolitan locations. Exports are continuing through the inner harbour at Fremantle. No decisions have been made to stop that, and it is not our policy to stop it. No decisions have been taken by government for new port facilities to be located in Kwinana that would take livestock exports in future. However, I do not imagine that that is a matter the government will have any great difficulty with if it is something that meets all the needs of the industry and of the community. We are about facilitating and encouraging trade. It is not a matter that has invoked a purposeful decision by government thus far (3) I have had a number of conversations over a period with Mr Chris Whittaker, who is the chairman of the James Point Pty Ltd consortium, during which time, both in opposition and I think briefly in government, I have raised whether the consortium was still pursuing the goal it had in 1999-2000 to carry on the livestock export trade at a location down at James Point. The indication I received from him was that, in fact, it was much cooler on the idea than had been the case when it was initially proposed nine or 10 years ago. It is not something that the consortium is particularly championing now. Certainly, the idea that was then put about having livestock holding yards within the heavy industry area, for example, is not being pursued. Frankly, I do not think it ought to be.
I thank the member for the question and for his interest in this matter. (1)-(3) I recently announced the establishment of an expert panel that will help compile options to present to government on the future of port facilities in the metropolitan area. I am hoping that this will be one of the questions that the panel will be giving advice or presenting options to government on so that further decisions can be made. All of that is in the future. (2) This government supports the continuation of the livestock trade. Currently it is being facilitated through a number of locations, but I think the member is concerned primarily about the metropolitan locations. Exports are continuing through the inner harbour at Fremantle. No decisions have been made to stop that, and it is not our policy to stop it. No decisions have been taken by government for new port facilities to be located in Kwinana that would take livestock exports in future. However, I do not imagine that that is a matter the government will have any great difficulty with if it is something that meets all the needs of the industry and of the community. We are about facilitating and encouraging trade. It is not a matter that has invoked a purposeful decision by government thus far (3) I have had a number of conversations over a period with Mr Chris Whittaker, who is the chairman of the James Point Pty Ltd consortium, during which time, both in opposition and I think briefly in government, I have raised whether the consortium was still pursuing the goal it had in 1999-2000 to carry on the livestock export trade at a location down at James Point. The indication I received from him was that, in fact, it was much cooler on the idea than had been the case when it was initially proposed nine or 10 years ago. It is not something that the consortium is particularly championing now. Certainly, the idea that was then put about having livestock holding yards within the heavy industry area, for example, is not being pursued. Frankly, I do not think it ought to be.
(1)-(3) I recently announced the establishment of an expert panel that will help compile options to present to government on the future of port facilities in the metropolitan area. I am hoping that this will be one of the questions that the panel will be giving advice or presenting options to government on so that further decisions can be made. All of that is in the future. (2) This government supports the continuation of the livestock trade. Currently it is being facilitated through a number of locations, but I think the member is concerned primarily about the metropolitan locations. Exports are continuing through the inner harbour at Fremantle. No decisions have been made to stop that, and it is not our policy to stop it. No decisions have been taken by government for new port facilities to be located in Kwinana that would take livestock exports in future. However, I do not imagine that that is a matter the government will have any great difficulty with if it is something that meets all the needs of the industry and of the community. We are about facilitating and encouraging trade. It is not a matter that has invoked a purposeful decision by government thus far (3) I have had a number of conversations over a period with Mr Chris Whittaker, who is the chairman of the James Point Pty Ltd consortium, during which time, both in opposition and I think briefly in government, I have raised whether the consortium was still pursuing the goal it had in 1999-2000 to carry on the livestock export trade at a location down at James Point. The indication I received from him was that, in fact, it was much cooler on the idea than had been the case when it was initially proposed nine or 10 years ago. It is not something that the consortium is particularly championing now. Certainly, the idea that was then put about having livestock holding yards within the heavy industry area, for example, is not being pursued. Frankly, I do not think it ought to be.
(2) This government supports the continuation of the livestock trade. Currently it is being facilitated through a number of locations, but I think the member is concerned primarily about the metropolitan locations. Exports are continuing through the inner harbour at Fremantle. No decisions have been made to stop that, and it is not our policy to stop it. No decisions have been taken by government for new port facilities to be located in Kwinana that would take livestock exports in future. However, I do not imagine that that is a matter the government will have any great difficulty with if it is something that meets all the needs of the industry and of the community. We are about facilitating and encouraging trade. It is not a matter that has invoked a purposeful decision by government thus far (3) I have had a number of conversations over a period with Mr Chris Whittaker, who is the chairman of the James Point Pty Ltd consortium, during which time, both in opposition and I think briefly in government, I have raised whether the consortium was still pursuing the goal it had in 1999-2000 to carry on the livestock export trade at a location down at James Point. The indication I received from him was that, in fact, it was much cooler on the idea than had been the case when it was initially proposed nine or 10 years ago. It is not something that the consortium is particularly championing now. Certainly, the idea that was then put about having livestock holding yards within the heavy industry area, for example, is not being pursued. Frankly, I do not think it ought to be.
(3) I have had a number of conversations over a period with Mr Chris Whittaker, who is the chairman of the James Point Pty Ltd consortium, during which time, both in opposition and I think briefly in government, I have raised whether the consortium was still pursuing the goal it had in 1999-2000 to carry on the livestock export trade at a location down at James Point. The indication I received from him was that, in fact, it was much cooler on the idea than had been the case when it was initially proposed nine or 10 years ago. It is not something that the consortium is particularly championing now. Certainly, the idea that was then put about having livestock holding yards within the heavy industry area, for example, is not being pursued. Frankly, I do not think it ought to be.
(2) Has the minister had any discussions with James Point Pty Ltd on the live sheep trade? (3) If yes to (2), what was the content of those discussions? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for the question and for his interest in this matter. (1)-(3) I recently announced the establishment of an expert panel that will help compile options to present to government on the future of port facilities in the metropolitan area. I am hoping that this will be one of the questions that the panel will be giving advice or presenting options to government on so that further decisions can be made. All of that is in the future. (2) This government supports the continuation of the livestock trade. Currently it is being facilitated through a number of locations, but I think the member is concerned primarily about the metropolitan locations. Exports are continuing through the inner harbour at Fremantle. No decisions have been made to stop that, and it is not our policy to stop it. No decisions have been taken by government for new port facilities to be located in Kwinana that would take livestock exports in future. However, I do not imagine that that is a matter the government will have any great difficulty with if it is something that meets all the needs of the industry and of the community. We are about facilitating and encouraging trade. It is not a matter that has invoked a purposeful decision by government thus far (3) I have had a number of conversations over a period with Mr Chris Whittaker, who is the chairman of the James Point Pty Ltd consortium, during which time, both in opposition and I think briefly in government, I have raised whether the consortium was still pursuing the goal it had in 1999-2000 to carry on the livestock export trade at a location down at James Point. The indication I received from him was that, in fact, it was much cooler on the idea than had been the case when it was initially proposed nine or 10 years ago. It is not something that the consortium is particularly championing now. Certainly, the idea that was then put about having livestock holding yards within the heavy industry area, for example, is not being pursued. Frankly, I do not think it ought to be.
(3) If yes to (2), what was the content of those discussions? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for the question and for his interest in this matter. (1)-(3) I recently announced the establishment of an expert panel that will help compile options to present to government on the future of port facilities in the metropolitan area. I am hoping that this will be one of the questions that the panel will be giving advice or presenting options to government on so that further decisions can be made. All of that is in the future. (2) This government supports the continuation of the livestock trade. Currently it is being facilitated through a number of locations, but I think the member is concerned primarily about the metropolitan locations. Exports are continuing through the inner harbour at Fremantle. No decisions have been made to stop that, and it is not our policy to stop it. No decisions have been taken by government for new port facilities to be located in Kwinana that would take livestock exports in future. However, I do not imagine that that is a matter the government will have any great difficulty with if it is something that meets all the needs of the industry and of the community. We are about facilitating and encouraging trade. It is not a matter that has invoked a purposeful decision by government thus far (3) I have had a number of conversations over a period with Mr Chris Whittaker, who is the chairman of the James Point Pty Ltd consortium, during which time, both in opposition and I think briefly in government, I have raised whether the consortium was still pursuing the goal it had in 1999-2000 to carry on the livestock export trade at a location down at James Point. The indication I received from him was that, in fact, it was much cooler on the idea than had been the case when it was initially proposed nine or 10 years ago. It is not something that the consortium is particularly championing now. Certainly, the idea that was then put about having livestock holding yards within the heavy industry area, for example, is not being pursued. Frankly, I do not think it ought to be.
Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for the question and for his interest in this matter. (1)-(3) I recently announced the establishment of an expert panel that will help compile options to present to government on the future of port facilities in the metropolitan area. I am hoping that this will be one of the questions that the panel will be giving advice or presenting options to government on so that further decisions can be made. All of that is in the future. (2) This government supports the continuation of the livestock trade. Currently it is being facilitated through a number of locations, but I think the member is concerned primarily about the metropolitan locations. Exports are continuing through the inner harbour at Fremantle. No decisions have been made to stop that, and it is not our policy to stop it. No decisions have been taken by government for new port facilities to be located in Kwinana that would take livestock exports in future. However, I do not imagine that that is a matter the government will have any great difficulty with if it is something that meets all the needs of the industry and of the community. We are about facilitating and encouraging trade. It is not a matter that has invoked a purposeful decision by government thus far (3) I have had a number of conversations over a period with Mr Chris Whittaker, who is the chairman of the James Point Pty Ltd consortium, during which time, both in opposition and I think briefly in government, I have raised whether the consortium was still pursuing the goal it had in 1999-2000 to carry on the livestock export trade at a location down at James Point. The indication I received from him was that, in fact, it was much cooler on the idea than had been the case when it was initially proposed nine or 10 years ago. It is not something that the consortium is particularly championing now. Certainly, the idea that was then put about having livestock holding yards within the heavy industry area, for example, is not being pursued. Frankly, I do not think it ought to be.
I thank the member for the question and for his interest in this matter. (1)-(3) I recently announced the establishment of an expert panel that will help compile options to present to government on the future of port facilities in the metropolitan area. I am hoping that this will be one of the questions that the panel will be giving advice or presenting options to government on so that further decisions can be made. All of that is in the future. (2) This government supports the continuation of the livestock trade. Currently it is being facilitated through a number of locations, but I think the member is concerned primarily about the metropolitan locations. Exports are continuing through the inner harbour at Fremantle. No decisions have been made to stop that, and it is not our policy to stop it. No decisions have been taken by government for new port facilities to be located in Kwinana that would take livestock exports in future. However, I do not imagine that that is a matter the government will have any great difficulty with if it is something that meets all the needs of the industry and of the community. We are about facilitating and encouraging trade. It is not a matter that has invoked a purposeful decision by government thus far (3) I have had a number of conversations over a period with Mr Chris Whittaker, who is the chairman of the James Point Pty Ltd consortium, during which time, both in opposition and I think briefly in government, I have raised whether the consortium was still pursuing the goal it had in 1999-2000 to carry on the livestock export trade at a location down at James Point. The indication I received from him was that, in fact, it was much cooler on the idea than had been the case when it was initially proposed nine or 10 years ago. It is not something that the consortium is particularly championing now. Certainly, the idea that was then put about having livestock holding yards within the heavy industry area, for example, is not being pursued. Frankly, I do not think it ought to be.
(1)-(3) I recently announced the establishment of an expert panel that will help compile options to present to government on the future of port facilities in the metropolitan area. I am hoping that this will be one of the questions that the panel will be giving advice or presenting options to government on so that further decisions can be made. All of that is in the future. (2) This government supports the continuation of the livestock trade. Currently it is being facilitated through a number of locations, but I think the member is concerned primarily about the metropolitan locations. Exports are continuing through the inner harbour at Fremantle. No decisions have been made to stop that, and it is not our policy to stop it. No decisions have been taken by government for new port facilities to be located in Kwinana that would take livestock exports in future. However, I do not imagine that that is a matter the government will have any great difficulty with if it is something that meets all the needs of the industry and of the community. We are about facilitating and encouraging trade. It is not a matter that has invoked a purposeful decision by government thus far (3) I have had a number of conversations over a period with Mr Chris Whittaker, who is the chairman of the James Point Pty Ltd consortium, during which time, both in opposition and I think briefly in government, I have raised whether the consortium was still pursuing the goal it had in 1999-2000 to carry on the livestock export trade at a location down at James Point. The indication I received from him was that, in fact, it was much cooler on the idea than had been the case when it was initially proposed nine or 10 years ago. It is not something that the consortium is particularly championing now. Certainly, the idea that was then put about having livestock holding yards within the heavy industry area, for example, is not being pursued. Frankly, I do not think it ought to be.
(2) This government supports the continuation of the livestock trade. Currently it is being facilitated through a number of locations, but I think the member is concerned primarily about the metropolitan locations. Exports are continuing through the inner harbour at Fremantle. No decisions have been made to stop that, and it is not our policy to stop it. No decisions have been taken by government for new port facilities to be located in Kwinana that would take livestock exports in future. However, I do not imagine that that is a matter the government will have any great difficulty with if it is something that meets all the needs of the industry and of the community. We are about facilitating and encouraging trade. It is not a matter that has invoked a purposeful decision by government thus far (3) I have had a number of conversations over a period with Mr Chris Whittaker, who is the chairman of the James Point Pty Ltd consortium, during which time, both in opposition and I think briefly in government, I have raised whether the consortium was still pursuing the goal it had in 1999-2000 to carry on the livestock export trade at a location down at James Point. The indication I received from him was that, in fact, it was much cooler on the idea than had been the case when it was initially proposed nine or 10 years ago. It is not something that the consortium is particularly championing now. Certainly, the idea that was then put about having livestock holding yards within the heavy industry area, for example, is not being pursued. Frankly, I do not think it ought to be.
(3) I have had a number of conversations over a period with Mr Chris Whittaker, who is the chairman of the James Point Pty Ltd consortium, during which time, both in opposition and I think briefly in government, I have raised whether the consortium was still pursuing the goal it had in 1999-2000 to carry on the livestock export trade at a location down at James Point. The indication I received from him was that, in fact, it was much cooler on the idea than had been the case when it was initially proposed nine or 10 years ago. It is not something that the consortium is particularly championing now. Certainly, the idea that was then put about having livestock holding yards within the heavy industry area, for example, is not being pursued. Frankly, I do not think it ought to be.
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