Question on Notice regarding the delay in amending the Environmental Protection Act to implement the State Groundwater Policy, citing the state's water crisis. The Minister's answer defends the government's actions, citing existing legislation and resource allocation.

AnsweredQoN 652Legislative Council
Asked
15 May 2002
Portfolio
the Environment and Heritage

QuestionView source ↗

Further to question on notice No. 518 of March 20 2002 -
(1) When will the proposed amendments to the
Environmental Protection Act
needed to implement the State Groundwater Policy be introduced into Parliament?
(2) In view of the State’s serious water crisis why has the Government taken so long to finalise the protection of our essential groundwater resources?
(3) Why has the Minister permitted work on this important policy to be suspended for so long?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
26 June 2002
Responded by
Minister for Housing and Works representing the Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Response time
42 days
(2) Essential groundwater resources can be protected through a range of statutory and non-statutory mechanisms under the existing Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914, in addition to the Environmental Protection Act and its amendments. The current water supply situation is the result of an extraordinarily dry climatic sequence and requires resolution through a mix of policy, source development and water conservation. (3) Resources have been dedicated to preparing the Environmental Protection Amendment Bill 2002 for introduction into Parliament.
(3) Resources have been dedicated to preparing the Environmental Protection Amendment Bill 2002 for introduction into Parliament.

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