❓ A parliamentary question addresses the future allocation of water resources from Wellington Dam, including potential use for Perth's water supply and impacts on the southwest region. The response outlines a planning process with community consultation and consideration of local needs.
AnsweredQoN 845Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
WELLINGTON DAM
An awful lot of notice has been given of this question. I refer to the water resources of the Wellington Dam. (1) Is the minister overseeing the planning process for the allocation of this water resource to consumers other than the south west irrigations, and what is the nature of this process? (2) What are the minister’s plans for this water? (3) Do they include transferring some into the metropolitan system? (4) Does the minister intend to consult widely in the south west region on this allocation decision? (5) What land use activity changes will be necessary in the case of the Wellington Dam becoming a public water supply designated area? (6) What is the time frame for this allocation decision? (7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS
An awful lot of notice has been given of this question. I refer to the water resources of the Wellington Dam. (1) Is the minister overseeing the planning process for the allocation of this water resource to consumers other than the south west irrigations, and what is the nature of this process? (2) What are the minister’s plans for this water? (3) Do they include transferring some into the metropolitan system? (4) Does the minister intend to consult widely in the south west region on this allocation decision? (5) What land use activity changes will be necessary in the case of the Wellington Dam becoming a public water supply designated area? (6) What is the time frame for this allocation decision? (7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(1) Is the minister overseeing the planning process for the allocation of this water resource to consumers other than the south west irrigations, and what is the nature of this process? (2) What are the minister’s plans for this water? (3) Do they include transferring some into the metropolitan system? (4) Does the minister intend to consult widely in the south west region on this allocation decision? (5) What land use activity changes will be necessary in the case of the Wellington Dam becoming a public water supply designated area? (6) What is the time frame for this allocation decision? (7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(2) What are the minister’s plans for this water? (3) Do they include transferring some into the metropolitan system? (4) Does the minister intend to consult widely in the south west region on this allocation decision? (5) What land use activity changes will be necessary in the case of the Wellington Dam becoming a public water supply designated area? (6) What is the time frame for this allocation decision? (7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(3) Do they include transferring some into the metropolitan system? (4) Does the minister intend to consult widely in the south west region on this allocation decision? (5) What land use activity changes will be necessary in the case of the Wellington Dam becoming a public water supply designated area? (6) What is the time frame for this allocation decision? (7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(4) Does the minister intend to consult widely in the south west region on this allocation decision? (5) What land use activity changes will be necessary in the case of the Wellington Dam becoming a public water supply designated area? (6) What is the time frame for this allocation decision? (7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(5) What land use activity changes will be necessary in the case of the Wellington Dam becoming a public water supply designated area? (6) What is the time frame for this allocation decision? (7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(6) What is the time frame for this allocation decision? (7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(1) Is the minister overseeing the planning process for the allocation of this water resource to consumers other than the south west irrigations, and what is the nature of this process? (2) What are the minister’s plans for this water? (3) Do they include transferring some into the metropolitan system? (4) Does the minister intend to consult widely in the south west region on this allocation decision? (5) What land use activity changes will be necessary in the case of the Wellington Dam becoming a public water supply designated area? (6) What is the time frame for this allocation decision? (7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(2) What are the minister’s plans for this water? (3) Do they include transferring some into the metropolitan system? (4) Does the minister intend to consult widely in the south west region on this allocation decision? (5) What land use activity changes will be necessary in the case of the Wellington Dam becoming a public water supply designated area? (6) What is the time frame for this allocation decision? (7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(3) Do they include transferring some into the metropolitan system? (4) Does the minister intend to consult widely in the south west region on this allocation decision? (5) What land use activity changes will be necessary in the case of the Wellington Dam becoming a public water supply designated area? (6) What is the time frame for this allocation decision? (7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(4) Does the minister intend to consult widely in the south west region on this allocation decision? (5) What land use activity changes will be necessary in the case of the Wellington Dam becoming a public water supply designated area? (6) What is the time frame for this allocation decision? (7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(5) What land use activity changes will be necessary in the case of the Wellington Dam becoming a public water supply designated area? (6) What is the time frame for this allocation decision? (7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(6) What is the time frame for this allocation decision? (7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(7) If the Wellington Dam were used as a public water supply dam, what impact would that have on possible national parks status? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
I thank the member for some notice of the question. I express my appreciation for her patience in waiting for the answer for such a long time. The length of time was attributable to the minister’s illness. (1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(1) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has advised that Wellington Dam was identified as a potential long-term source of public water supply in Perth’s water future report, which was released by the then Water Authority in 1995. The dam remains a potential water source for the integrated Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme. The minister understands, however, that the Water Corporation is unlikely to require water from Wellington Dam, either this year or next year for Perth’s water supply. In view of the current water shortage and community concern, the Water and Rivers Commission will commence a water allocation planning process, which will include proper consultation and community involvement, before final advice from the commission on the future water supply aspects of the dam is provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. (2) The priority is to continue to meet local needs for irrigation, industrial demand and recovery to potable water standards for future public water supply. The Water and Rivers Commission has just reviewed options to turn around the salinity in the reservoir over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver potable water quality, and recommendations will be made to the minister on the most viable options to achieve this outcome. (3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(3) Transferring some of the water available from Wellington Dam to the Perth, Mandurah, goldfields and agricultural water supply scheme is one option. Priority will be given to meeting current and future local demands, including the great southern town water supply scheme, and decisions will be made through the water allocation planning process. (4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(4) Yes. An important part of the allocation process includes consultation and community involvement in decision making. (5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(5) Decisions on any necessary land use or activity changes will be made through a water quality protection planning process, which will be coordinated by the Water and Rivers Commission. (6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(6) Consultation for the development of the allocation plan will begin in early 2002 and extend into 2003. It is expected that the allocation plan and accompanying water quality protection plan will be finalised in 2004-05. (7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
(7) There would be no impact on possible national park status. Water quality protection issues would be incorporated into the park management.
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