❓ Hon Robin Chapple questions the Premier's commitment to preventing heavy industrialization in the Kimberley, referencing a media statement about the Kimberley LNG precinct. The Premier, through the Department of State Development, declines to rule out specific heavy industries, citing a balanced assessment approach and emphasizing the limitations placed on the LNG precinct.
AnsweredQoN 3847Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
In reference to a media statement issued by the Premier on Friday 6 May 2011 titled, ‘Consent agreement reached for Kimberley LNG precinct’, wherein the Premier stated, ‘The Kimberley will not become an industrial site for heavy industry’, I ask -
(1) Will the Premier now categorically rule out the following heavy industries in the Kimberley, -
(a) large scale coal mining and coal seam gas extraction in the Fitzroy River catchment and the construction of a two million tonnes per annum (minimum) coal exporting facility in King Sound;
(b) dams on the Fitzroy River and its tributaries and the development of large scale irrigated agriculture in the Fitzroy catchment;
(c) copper mining at the McLarty Ranges near the Horizontal Falls and Iron Ore mining on Irvine Island; and
(d) bauxite mining on or around the Mitchell Plateau and the development of one or more alumina refineries and bauxite/alumina export ports on the Kimberley coast?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) If the Premier will not rule out these heavy industry projects going ahead in the Kimberley, can he please explain how this position accords with the public commitment implicit in the media statement referred to above?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) Given that the Department of State Development (DSD) is either a proponent or strong promoter of these and other industrial projects in the Kimberley will the Premier direct DSD to cease promoting the industrialization of the Kimberley?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) Will the Premier direct DSD to cease the publication of reports and maps that identify and promote dozens of industrial projects across the Kimberley which, individually and collectively, constitutes industrialization of the region?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
(1) Will the Premier now categorically rule out the following heavy industries in the Kimberley, -
(a) large scale coal mining and coal seam gas extraction in the Fitzroy River catchment and the construction of a two million tonnes per annum (minimum) coal exporting facility in King Sound;
(b) dams on the Fitzroy River and its tributaries and the development of large scale irrigated agriculture in the Fitzroy catchment;
(c) copper mining at the McLarty Ranges near the Horizontal Falls and Iron Ore mining on Irvine Island; and
(d) bauxite mining on or around the Mitchell Plateau and the development of one or more alumina refineries and bauxite/alumina export ports on the Kimberley coast?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) If the Premier will not rule out these heavy industry projects going ahead in the Kimberley, can he please explain how this position accords with the public commitment implicit in the media statement referred to above?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) Given that the Department of State Development (DSD) is either a proponent or strong promoter of these and other industrial projects in the Kimberley will the Premier direct DSD to cease promoting the industrialization of the Kimberley?
(6) If no to (5), why not?
(7) Will the Premier direct DSD to cease the publication of reports and maps that identify and promote dozens of industrial projects across the Kimberley which, individually and collectively, constitutes industrialization of the region?
(8) If no to (7), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
29 June 2011
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for State Development
Response time
43 days
Department of State Development advises:
(1a-d) No.
(2) Industry proposals are considered by Government based on a balance of environmental, heritage, economic, social and other relevant factors, while remaining cognisant of the location's unique environment.
(3) The media statement, dated 6 May 2011, is recognition of the substantial progress made in Western Australia between the Traditional Owners of the land at James Price Point, Woodside Energy Ltd and the State Government.
The sentiment expressed in the statement is reflective of the Government's view that the Kimberley will not become an industrial site for heavy industry. This is consistent with the thorough strategic assessment process undertaken by the Department of State Development.
The agreement which has been reached with Traditional Owners includes a commitment from the State that will limit any LNG development outside the Browse LNG Precinct anywhere along the Kimberley coast.
Furthermore, the agreement also limits activities within the Precinct to the processing and export of LNG, LPG and condensate. Accordingly, the production of chemicals or the export of minerals or any other bulk commodity is explicitly prohibited.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) The Department of State Development ensures that each industrial proposal is subject to a thorough statutory approvals process, including environmental, heritage and other relevant approvals. The Department is responsible for facilitating and assisting proponents with obtaining the necessary approvals. The Department does not promote the industrialisation of the Kimberley.
(6) Not applicable.
(7) No.
(8) Publications including maps and reports produced by the Department of State Development are used for information purposes only and are indicative of the location of proposals under assessment, or currently subject to a thorough statutory approvals process. The material does not constitute a promotion of industrialising the Kimberley region.
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(1a-d) No.
(2) Industry proposals are considered by Government based on a balance of environmental, heritage, economic, social and other relevant factors, while remaining cognisant of the location's unique environment.
(3) The media statement, dated 6 May 2011, is recognition of the substantial progress made in Western Australia between the Traditional Owners of the land at James Price Point, Woodside Energy Ltd and the State Government.
The sentiment expressed in the statement is reflective of the Government's view that the Kimberley will not become an industrial site for heavy industry. This is consistent with the thorough strategic assessment process undertaken by the Department of State Development.
The agreement which has been reached with Traditional Owners includes a commitment from the State that will limit any LNG development outside the Browse LNG Precinct anywhere along the Kimberley coast.
Furthermore, the agreement also limits activities within the Precinct to the processing and export of LNG, LPG and condensate. Accordingly, the production of chemicals or the export of minerals or any other bulk commodity is explicitly prohibited.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) The Department of State Development ensures that each industrial proposal is subject to a thorough statutory approvals process, including environmental, heritage and other relevant approvals. The Department is responsible for facilitating and assisting proponents with obtaining the necessary approvals. The Department does not promote the industrialisation of the Kimberley.
(6) Not applicable.
(7) No.
(8) Publications including maps and reports produced by the Department of State Development are used for information purposes only and are indicative of the location of proposals under assessment, or currently subject to a thorough statutory approvals process. The material does not constitute a promotion of industrialising the Kimberley region.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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