❓ Dr. Pettitt questions the government's actions on wastewater discharge, wetland conservation, and climate change adaptation. The government outlines current recycling efforts but has no plans to end ocean discharge or a comprehensive adaptation strategy, deferring the latter to the Climate Change Minister.
AnsweredQoN 2114Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) What action is the State Government taking to end wastewater discharge to
the ocean and to recycle this water for environmental uses? (2) Is the Minister aware that the drying climate is placing extreme pressure
on our wetlands and associated ecosystems? (3) What, if any, plans does the Government have to redirect drainage water to wetlands
on the Swan Coastal Plain? (4) Has the Government committed to a target date to phase out all wastewater
disposal to the ocean? (5) If yes to (4), what is the date? (6) If no to (4), why not? (7) Has the Government developed a comprehensive adaptation strategy to
conserve wetlands and biodiversity in the South West Land Division in the face
of climate change? (8) If yes to (7), where is it available? (9) If no to (7), why not?
the ocean and to recycle this water for environmental uses? (2) Is the Minister aware that the drying climate is placing extreme pressure
on our wetlands and associated ecosystems? (3) What, if any, plans does the Government have to redirect drainage water to wetlands
on the Swan Coastal Plain? (4) Has the Government committed to a target date to phase out all wastewater
disposal to the ocean? (5) If yes to (4), what is the date? (6) If no to (4), why not? (7) Has the Government developed a comprehensive adaptation strategy to
conserve wetlands and biodiversity in the South West Land Division in the face
of climate change? (8) If yes to (7), where is it available? (9) If no to (7), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 September 2024
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Water
Response time
9 days
1) The Government has committed to increasing wastewater recycling from 21 per cent in 2022 to 30 per cent by 2030 as part of the Kep Katitjin – Gabi Kaadadjan: Waterwise Perth Action Plan 2 , of which Water Corporation is a partner agency. Water Corporation’s Ground Water Replenishment Scheme (GWRS), is the largest contributor to the State’s recycling performance by treating wastewater to drinking water standards to recharge groundwater supplies. GWRS reduces wastewater discharges and reliance on groundwater abstraction and dam water for public water supply. Water Corporation was the first utility in Australia, and one of only three in the world, to recycle water in this way when the groundwater replenishment scheme was commissioned in 2017.
2) Yes.
3) Drainage water and wetlands are considerations across Government.
4) No.
5) Not applicable.
6) Ocean discharges, managed in accordance with environmental conditions, are an environmentally sustainable method of treated wastewater disposal.
7-9) This is a question for the Minister for Climate Change.
2) Yes.
3) Drainage water and wetlands are considerations across Government.
4) No.
5) Not applicable.
6) Ocean discharges, managed in accordance with environmental conditions, are an environmentally sustainable method of treated wastewater disposal.
7-9) This is a question for the Minister for Climate Change.
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