❓ Hon Robin Chapple asks about a new Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) irrigation research area near Broome, covering site details, budget, management, crops, water licensing, and approvals. The Minister provides detailed responses, clarifying aspects like land clearing, water sourcing, and project status.
AnsweredQoN 2951Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the new Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Department) irrigation research area near Broome, and I ask:
(a) can the Minister please provide a map of the site and surrounds, within the Shire of Broome;
(b) what is the area of the site in hectares;
(c) when did the Department clear the land;
(d) what is the budget for the development;
(e) what is the ongoing budget for research at the site;
(f) who, or which entity, manages the site;
(g) how many FTE’s are allocated to its planning and management;
(h) what crops are planned to be grown at the site generally:
(i) and specifically within the next 12 months;
(i) does the Department have a water licence for the site:
(i) if yes to (i), what volume of water is licensed to the site;
(j) when was the project approved:
(i) would the Minister please table the project proposal; specifically documents that detail the project's objectives; and
(ii) if not to (j)(i), why not; and
(k) did the Department require a clearing permit:
(i) if yes to (k), when was it granted; and
(ii) if yes to (k), what is the CPS number?
(a) can the Minister please provide a map of the site and surrounds, within the Shire of Broome;
(b) what is the area of the site in hectares;
(c) when did the Department clear the land;
(d) what is the budget for the development;
(e) what is the ongoing budget for research at the site;
(f) who, or which entity, manages the site;
(g) how many FTE’s are allocated to its planning and management;
(h) what crops are planned to be grown at the site generally:
(i) and specifically within the next 12 months;
(i) does the Department have a water licence for the site:
(i) if yes to (i), what volume of water is licensed to the site;
(j) when was the project approved:
(i) would the Minister please table the project proposal; specifically documents that detail the project's objectives; and
(ii) if not to (j)(i), why not; and
(k) did the Department require a clearing permit:
(i) if yes to (k), when was it granted; and
(ii) if yes to (k), what is the CPS number?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
23 June 2020
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food
Response time
9 days
(b) 4.3 hectares in total with 3.8 hectares under irrigation. (c) The Department did not clear the land; the Department has leased land on a farm with freehold title on the outskirts of Broome. (d) The pivot irrigation system cost $62,777 and a further $64,000 was allocated for the minor works associated with installation as associated facilities to support the research site. (e) Anticipated budget for 2020-2021 financial year is $78,500. (f) The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). The lessee named is the Western Australian Agricultural Authority (ABN 86 611 226 341). (g) 1.5 Full Time Equivalents. (h) A range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes. (i) At present forage sorghum, variety Finerdan is in place to determine the uniformity of the site. (i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(c) The Department did not clear the land; the Department has leased land on a farm with freehold title on the outskirts of Broome. (d) The pivot irrigation system cost $62,777 and a further $64,000 was allocated for the minor works associated with installation as associated facilities to support the research site. (e) Anticipated budget for 2020-2021 financial year is $78,500. (f) The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). The lessee named is the Western Australian Agricultural Authority (ABN 86 611 226 341). (g) 1.5 Full Time Equivalents. (h) A range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes. (i) At present forage sorghum, variety Finerdan is in place to determine the uniformity of the site. (i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(d) The pivot irrigation system cost $62,777 and a further $64,000 was allocated for the minor works associated with installation as associated facilities to support the research site. (e) Anticipated budget for 2020-2021 financial year is $78,500. (f) The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). The lessee named is the Western Australian Agricultural Authority (ABN 86 611 226 341). (g) 1.5 Full Time Equivalents. (h) A range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes. (i) At present forage sorghum, variety Finerdan is in place to determine the uniformity of the site. (i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(e) Anticipated budget for 2020-2021 financial year is $78,500. (f) The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). The lessee named is the Western Australian Agricultural Authority (ABN 86 611 226 341). (g) 1.5 Full Time Equivalents. (h) A range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes. (i) At present forage sorghum, variety Finerdan is in place to determine the uniformity of the site. (i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(f) The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). The lessee named is the Western Australian Agricultural Authority (ABN 86 611 226 341). (g) 1.5 Full Time Equivalents. (h) A range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes. (i) At present forage sorghum, variety Finerdan is in place to determine the uniformity of the site. (i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(g) 1.5 Full Time Equivalents. (h) A range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes. (i) At present forage sorghum, variety Finerdan is in place to determine the uniformity of the site. (i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(h) A range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes. (i) At present forage sorghum, variety Finerdan is in place to determine the uniformity of the site. (i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(i) At present forage sorghum, variety Finerdan is in place to determine the uniformity of the site. (i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(i)-(ii) Not applicable
(c) The Department did not clear the land; the Department has leased land on a farm with freehold title on the outskirts of Broome. (d) The pivot irrigation system cost $62,777 and a further $64,000 was allocated for the minor works associated with installation as associated facilities to support the research site. (e) Anticipated budget for 2020-2021 financial year is $78,500. (f) The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). The lessee named is the Western Australian Agricultural Authority (ABN 86 611 226 341). (g) 1.5 Full Time Equivalents. (h) A range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes. (i) At present forage sorghum, variety Finerdan is in place to determine the uniformity of the site. (i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(d) The pivot irrigation system cost $62,777 and a further $64,000 was allocated for the minor works associated with installation as associated facilities to support the research site. (e) Anticipated budget for 2020-2021 financial year is $78,500. (f) The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). The lessee named is the Western Australian Agricultural Authority (ABN 86 611 226 341). (g) 1.5 Full Time Equivalents. (h) A range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes. (i) At present forage sorghum, variety Finerdan is in place to determine the uniformity of the site. (i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(e) Anticipated budget for 2020-2021 financial year is $78,500. (f) The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). The lessee named is the Western Australian Agricultural Authority (ABN 86 611 226 341). (g) 1.5 Full Time Equivalents. (h) A range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes. (i) At present forage sorghum, variety Finerdan is in place to determine the uniformity of the site. (i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(f) The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). The lessee named is the Western Australian Agricultural Authority (ABN 86 611 226 341). (g) 1.5 Full Time Equivalents. (h) A range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes. (i) At present forage sorghum, variety Finerdan is in place to determine the uniformity of the site. (i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(g) 1.5 Full Time Equivalents. (h) A range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes. (i) At present forage sorghum, variety Finerdan is in place to determine the uniformity of the site. (i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(h) A range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes. (i) At present forage sorghum, variety Finerdan is in place to determine the uniformity of the site. (i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(i) At present forage sorghum, variety Finerdan is in place to determine the uniformity of the site. (i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(i) No. The Department purchases water from the lessor, sourced from a privately licenced bore. (i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(i) Not applicable. (j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(j) Establishment of the research site was approved on 10 January 2020 and execution of the lease agreement occurred on 28 January 2020. (i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(i) – (ii) This is a research site, not a project. DPIRD had no field research facilities near Broome. The Skuthorpe site leased aims to allow research on crop management for a range of sub-tropical and tropical grasses and legumes, applicable to pastoral agriculture, supporting sustainable industry growth in the region. (k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(k) No. (i)-(ii) Not applicable
(i)-(ii) Not applicable
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