❓ A parliamentary question regarding a government report on water supply to the Goldfields, criticising its perceived inaction and lack of vision. The Minister defends the government's approach and highlights ongoing considerations.
AnsweredQoN 220Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Government’s long-awaited report on a possible alternative water source for the goldfields, which states that there is no water crisis in the goldfields, and to its major recommendation, which is to produce another report. (1) Is the minister aware of the comments of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Labor Party Branch President in the Kalgoorlie Miner that the report was a complete waste of taxpayers’ money and an excuse to do nothing? (2) Is the minister also aware that the Labor member for Eyre has labelled the report a waste of time? (3) Is the minister further aware that the present Minister for the Environment and Heritage, then the shadow Minister for Water Resources, Hon Judy Edwards, was quoted in the Kalgoorlie Miner on 31 January 2001 as saying that too many studies had been conducted and it was time for immediate action? (4) Will the minister now admit that the Labor Party has absolutely no vision for an alternative water supply to the goldfields, and will the Labor Party reprimand the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Labor Party branch, the member for Eyre and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for speaking the truth? The PRESIDENT: The minister would be aware that part of that question is not in order, but I will leave it to the minister to respond to that part that is in order. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(4) The issue raised in the question is a very important issue. Unlike its predecessors, this Government is concerned to have a viable program for water supply to the goldfields that is affordable to the community and will work. The Labor Party went to the election with a promise to call for expressions of interest. That promise was honoured. The Government went further than the promise, and had the matter further and properly examined. The report to which the honourable member referred was prepared consequent upon that action on the part of the Government. The report made a number of recommendations. The bottom line is that the Government is considering, through appropriate processes, what the best solution for an expansion of water supply to the goldfields will be. There are a number of options. Unlike those opposite, we are concerned to advance the matter so that there will be opportunities to expand the goldfields, particularly those areas between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, but also further than that. We are very concerned to achieve something. My views on the issues are a matter of public record. In particular, we are very interested in one of the options - namely, a possible desalination plant in Esperance. These matters are being examined. They are matters of price. Unlike those opposite, the Government wishes to act responsibly on matters to do with the public purse, and intends to do so. In doing so, it intends to produce a very good outcome for the people of the goldfields.
(1) Is the minister aware of the comments of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Labor Party Branch President in the Kalgoorlie Miner that the report was a complete waste of taxpayers’ money and an excuse to do nothing? (2) Is the minister also aware that the Labor member for Eyre has labelled the report a waste of time? (3) Is the minister further aware that the present Minister for the Environment and Heritage, then the shadow Minister for Water Resources, Hon Judy Edwards, was quoted in the Kalgoorlie Miner on 31 January 2001 as saying that too many studies had been conducted and it was time for immediate action? (4) Will the minister now admit that the Labor Party has absolutely no vision for an alternative water supply to the goldfields, and will the Labor Party reprimand the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Labor Party branch, the member for Eyre and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for speaking the truth? The PRESIDENT: The minister would be aware that part of that question is not in order, but I will leave it to the minister to respond to that part that is in order. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(4) The issue raised in the question is a very important issue. Unlike its predecessors, this Government is concerned to have a viable program for water supply to the goldfields that is affordable to the community and will work. The Labor Party went to the election with a promise to call for expressions of interest. That promise was honoured. The Government went further than the promise, and had the matter further and properly examined. The report to which the honourable member referred was prepared consequent upon that action on the part of the Government. The report made a number of recommendations. The bottom line is that the Government is considering, through appropriate processes, what the best solution for an expansion of water supply to the goldfields will be. There are a number of options. Unlike those opposite, we are concerned to advance the matter so that there will be opportunities to expand the goldfields, particularly those areas between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, but also further than that. We are very concerned to achieve something. My views on the issues are a matter of public record. In particular, we are very interested in one of the options - namely, a possible desalination plant in Esperance. These matters are being examined. They are matters of price. Unlike those opposite, the Government wishes to act responsibly on matters to do with the public purse, and intends to do so. In doing so, it intends to produce a very good outcome for the people of the goldfields.
(2) Is the minister also aware that the Labor member for Eyre has labelled the report a waste of time? (3) Is the minister further aware that the present Minister for the Environment and Heritage, then the shadow Minister for Water Resources, Hon Judy Edwards, was quoted in the Kalgoorlie Miner on 31 January 2001 as saying that too many studies had been conducted and it was time for immediate action? (4) Will the minister now admit that the Labor Party has absolutely no vision for an alternative water supply to the goldfields, and will the Labor Party reprimand the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Labor Party branch, the member for Eyre and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for speaking the truth? The PRESIDENT: The minister would be aware that part of that question is not in order, but I will leave it to the minister to respond to that part that is in order. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(4) The issue raised in the question is a very important issue. Unlike its predecessors, this Government is concerned to have a viable program for water supply to the goldfields that is affordable to the community and will work. The Labor Party went to the election with a promise to call for expressions of interest. That promise was honoured. The Government went further than the promise, and had the matter further and properly examined. The report to which the honourable member referred was prepared consequent upon that action on the part of the Government. The report made a number of recommendations. The bottom line is that the Government is considering, through appropriate processes, what the best solution for an expansion of water supply to the goldfields will be. There are a number of options. Unlike those opposite, we are concerned to advance the matter so that there will be opportunities to expand the goldfields, particularly those areas between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, but also further than that. We are very concerned to achieve something. My views on the issues are a matter of public record. In particular, we are very interested in one of the options - namely, a possible desalination plant in Esperance. These matters are being examined. They are matters of price. Unlike those opposite, the Government wishes to act responsibly on matters to do with the public purse, and intends to do so. In doing so, it intends to produce a very good outcome for the people of the goldfields.
(3) Is the minister further aware that the present Minister for the Environment and Heritage, then the shadow Minister for Water Resources, Hon Judy Edwards, was quoted in the Kalgoorlie Miner on 31 January 2001 as saying that too many studies had been conducted and it was time for immediate action? (4) Will the minister now admit that the Labor Party has absolutely no vision for an alternative water supply to the goldfields, and will the Labor Party reprimand the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Labor Party branch, the member for Eyre and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for speaking the truth? The PRESIDENT: The minister would be aware that part of that question is not in order, but I will leave it to the minister to respond to that part that is in order. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(4) The issue raised in the question is a very important issue. Unlike its predecessors, this Government is concerned to have a viable program for water supply to the goldfields that is affordable to the community and will work. The Labor Party went to the election with a promise to call for expressions of interest. That promise was honoured. The Government went further than the promise, and had the matter further and properly examined. The report to which the honourable member referred was prepared consequent upon that action on the part of the Government. The report made a number of recommendations. The bottom line is that the Government is considering, through appropriate processes, what the best solution for an expansion of water supply to the goldfields will be. There are a number of options. Unlike those opposite, we are concerned to advance the matter so that there will be opportunities to expand the goldfields, particularly those areas between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, but also further than that. We are very concerned to achieve something. My views on the issues are a matter of public record. In particular, we are very interested in one of the options - namely, a possible desalination plant in Esperance. These matters are being examined. They are matters of price. Unlike those opposite, the Government wishes to act responsibly on matters to do with the public purse, and intends to do so. In doing so, it intends to produce a very good outcome for the people of the goldfields.
(4) Will the minister now admit that the Labor Party has absolutely no vision for an alternative water supply to the goldfields, and will the Labor Party reprimand the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Labor Party branch, the member for Eyre and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for speaking the truth? The PRESIDENT: The minister would be aware that part of that question is not in order, but I will leave it to the minister to respond to that part that is in order. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(4) The issue raised in the question is a very important issue. Unlike its predecessors, this Government is concerned to have a viable program for water supply to the goldfields that is affordable to the community and will work. The Labor Party went to the election with a promise to call for expressions of interest. That promise was honoured. The Government went further than the promise, and had the matter further and properly examined. The report to which the honourable member referred was prepared consequent upon that action on the part of the Government. The report made a number of recommendations. The bottom line is that the Government is considering, through appropriate processes, what the best solution for an expansion of water supply to the goldfields will be. There are a number of options. Unlike those opposite, we are concerned to advance the matter so that there will be opportunities to expand the goldfields, particularly those areas between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, but also further than that. We are very concerned to achieve something. My views on the issues are a matter of public record. In particular, we are very interested in one of the options - namely, a possible desalination plant in Esperance. These matters are being examined. They are matters of price. Unlike those opposite, the Government wishes to act responsibly on matters to do with the public purse, and intends to do so. In doing so, it intends to produce a very good outcome for the people of the goldfields.
The PRESIDENT: The minister would be aware that part of that question is not in order, but I will leave it to the minister to respond to that part that is in order. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(4) The issue raised in the question is a very important issue. Unlike its predecessors, this Government is concerned to have a viable program for water supply to the goldfields that is affordable to the community and will work. The Labor Party went to the election with a promise to call for expressions of interest. That promise was honoured. The Government went further than the promise, and had the matter further and properly examined. The report to which the honourable member referred was prepared consequent upon that action on the part of the Government. The report made a number of recommendations. The bottom line is that the Government is considering, through appropriate processes, what the best solution for an expansion of water supply to the goldfields will be. There are a number of options. Unlike those opposite, we are concerned to advance the matter so that there will be opportunities to expand the goldfields, particularly those areas between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, but also further than that. We are very concerned to achieve something. My views on the issues are a matter of public record. In particular, we are very interested in one of the options - namely, a possible desalination plant in Esperance. These matters are being examined. They are matters of price. Unlike those opposite, the Government wishes to act responsibly on matters to do with the public purse, and intends to do so. In doing so, it intends to produce a very good outcome for the people of the goldfields.
Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(4) The issue raised in the question is a very important issue. Unlike its predecessors, this Government is concerned to have a viable program for water supply to the goldfields that is affordable to the community and will work. The Labor Party went to the election with a promise to call for expressions of interest. That promise was honoured. The Government went further than the promise, and had the matter further and properly examined. The report to which the honourable member referred was prepared consequent upon that action on the part of the Government. The report made a number of recommendations. The bottom line is that the Government is considering, through appropriate processes, what the best solution for an expansion of water supply to the goldfields will be. There are a number of options. Unlike those opposite, we are concerned to advance the matter so that there will be opportunities to expand the goldfields, particularly those areas between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, but also further than that. We are very concerned to achieve something. My views on the issues are a matter of public record. In particular, we are very interested in one of the options - namely, a possible desalination plant in Esperance. These matters are being examined. They are matters of price. Unlike those opposite, the Government wishes to act responsibly on matters to do with the public purse, and intends to do so. In doing so, it intends to produce a very good outcome for the people of the goldfields.
(1)-(4) The issue raised in the question is a very important issue. Unlike its predecessors, this Government is concerned to have a viable program for water supply to the goldfields that is affordable to the community and will work. The Labor Party went to the election with a promise to call for expressions of interest. That promise was honoured. The Government went further than the promise, and had the matter further and properly examined. The report to which the honourable member referred was prepared consequent upon that action on the part of the Government. The report made a number of recommendations. The bottom line is that the Government is considering, through appropriate processes, what the best solution for an expansion of water supply to the goldfields will be. There are a number of options. Unlike those opposite, we are concerned to advance the matter so that there will be opportunities to expand the goldfields, particularly those areas between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, but also further than that. We are very concerned to achieve something. My views on the issues are a matter of public record. In particular, we are very interested in one of the options - namely, a possible desalination plant in Esperance. These matters are being examined. They are matters of price. Unlike those opposite, the Government wishes to act responsibly on matters to do with the public purse, and intends to do so. In doing so, it intends to produce a very good outcome for the people of the goldfields.
(1) Is the minister aware of the comments of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Labor Party Branch President in the Kalgoorlie Miner that the report was a complete waste of taxpayers’ money and an excuse to do nothing? (2) Is the minister also aware that the Labor member for Eyre has labelled the report a waste of time? (3) Is the minister further aware that the present Minister for the Environment and Heritage, then the shadow Minister for Water Resources, Hon Judy Edwards, was quoted in the Kalgoorlie Miner on 31 January 2001 as saying that too many studies had been conducted and it was time for immediate action? (4) Will the minister now admit that the Labor Party has absolutely no vision for an alternative water supply to the goldfields, and will the Labor Party reprimand the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Labor Party branch, the member for Eyre and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for speaking the truth? The PRESIDENT: The minister would be aware that part of that question is not in order, but I will leave it to the minister to respond to that part that is in order. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(4) The issue raised in the question is a very important issue. Unlike its predecessors, this Government is concerned to have a viable program for water supply to the goldfields that is affordable to the community and will work. The Labor Party went to the election with a promise to call for expressions of interest. That promise was honoured. The Government went further than the promise, and had the matter further and properly examined. The report to which the honourable member referred was prepared consequent upon that action on the part of the Government. The report made a number of recommendations. The bottom line is that the Government is considering, through appropriate processes, what the best solution for an expansion of water supply to the goldfields will be. There are a number of options. Unlike those opposite, we are concerned to advance the matter so that there will be opportunities to expand the goldfields, particularly those areas between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, but also further than that. We are very concerned to achieve something. My views on the issues are a matter of public record. In particular, we are very interested in one of the options - namely, a possible desalination plant in Esperance. These matters are being examined. They are matters of price. Unlike those opposite, the Government wishes to act responsibly on matters to do with the public purse, and intends to do so. In doing so, it intends to produce a very good outcome for the people of the goldfields.
(2) Is the minister also aware that the Labor member for Eyre has labelled the report a waste of time? (3) Is the minister further aware that the present Minister for the Environment and Heritage, then the shadow Minister for Water Resources, Hon Judy Edwards, was quoted in the Kalgoorlie Miner on 31 January 2001 as saying that too many studies had been conducted and it was time for immediate action? (4) Will the minister now admit that the Labor Party has absolutely no vision for an alternative water supply to the goldfields, and will the Labor Party reprimand the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Labor Party branch, the member for Eyre and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for speaking the truth? The PRESIDENT: The minister would be aware that part of that question is not in order, but I will leave it to the minister to respond to that part that is in order. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(4) The issue raised in the question is a very important issue. Unlike its predecessors, this Government is concerned to have a viable program for water supply to the goldfields that is affordable to the community and will work. The Labor Party went to the election with a promise to call for expressions of interest. That promise was honoured. The Government went further than the promise, and had the matter further and properly examined. The report to which the honourable member referred was prepared consequent upon that action on the part of the Government. The report made a number of recommendations. The bottom line is that the Government is considering, through appropriate processes, what the best solution for an expansion of water supply to the goldfields will be. There are a number of options. Unlike those opposite, we are concerned to advance the matter so that there will be opportunities to expand the goldfields, particularly those areas between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, but also further than that. We are very concerned to achieve something. My views on the issues are a matter of public record. In particular, we are very interested in one of the options - namely, a possible desalination plant in Esperance. These matters are being examined. They are matters of price. Unlike those opposite, the Government wishes to act responsibly on matters to do with the public purse, and intends to do so. In doing so, it intends to produce a very good outcome for the people of the goldfields.
(3) Is the minister further aware that the present Minister for the Environment and Heritage, then the shadow Minister for Water Resources, Hon Judy Edwards, was quoted in the Kalgoorlie Miner on 31 January 2001 as saying that too many studies had been conducted and it was time for immediate action? (4) Will the minister now admit that the Labor Party has absolutely no vision for an alternative water supply to the goldfields, and will the Labor Party reprimand the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Labor Party branch, the member for Eyre and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for speaking the truth? The PRESIDENT: The minister would be aware that part of that question is not in order, but I will leave it to the minister to respond to that part that is in order. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(4) The issue raised in the question is a very important issue. Unlike its predecessors, this Government is concerned to have a viable program for water supply to the goldfields that is affordable to the community and will work. The Labor Party went to the election with a promise to call for expressions of interest. That promise was honoured. The Government went further than the promise, and had the matter further and properly examined. The report to which the honourable member referred was prepared consequent upon that action on the part of the Government. The report made a number of recommendations. The bottom line is that the Government is considering, through appropriate processes, what the best solution for an expansion of water supply to the goldfields will be. There are a number of options. Unlike those opposite, we are concerned to advance the matter so that there will be opportunities to expand the goldfields, particularly those areas between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, but also further than that. We are very concerned to achieve something. My views on the issues are a matter of public record. In particular, we are very interested in one of the options - namely, a possible desalination plant in Esperance. These matters are being examined. They are matters of price. Unlike those opposite, the Government wishes to act responsibly on matters to do with the public purse, and intends to do so. In doing so, it intends to produce a very good outcome for the people of the goldfields.
(4) Will the minister now admit that the Labor Party has absolutely no vision for an alternative water supply to the goldfields, and will the Labor Party reprimand the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Labor Party branch, the member for Eyre and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for speaking the truth? The PRESIDENT: The minister would be aware that part of that question is not in order, but I will leave it to the minister to respond to that part that is in order. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(4) The issue raised in the question is a very important issue. Unlike its predecessors, this Government is concerned to have a viable program for water supply to the goldfields that is affordable to the community and will work. The Labor Party went to the election with a promise to call for expressions of interest. That promise was honoured. The Government went further than the promise, and had the matter further and properly examined. The report to which the honourable member referred was prepared consequent upon that action on the part of the Government. The report made a number of recommendations. The bottom line is that the Government is considering, through appropriate processes, what the best solution for an expansion of water supply to the goldfields will be. There are a number of options. Unlike those opposite, we are concerned to advance the matter so that there will be opportunities to expand the goldfields, particularly those areas between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, but also further than that. We are very concerned to achieve something. My views on the issues are a matter of public record. In particular, we are very interested in one of the options - namely, a possible desalination plant in Esperance. These matters are being examined. They are matters of price. Unlike those opposite, the Government wishes to act responsibly on matters to do with the public purse, and intends to do so. In doing so, it intends to produce a very good outcome for the people of the goldfields.
The PRESIDENT: The minister would be aware that part of that question is not in order, but I will leave it to the minister to respond to that part that is in order. Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(4) The issue raised in the question is a very important issue. Unlike its predecessors, this Government is concerned to have a viable program for water supply to the goldfields that is affordable to the community and will work. The Labor Party went to the election with a promise to call for expressions of interest. That promise was honoured. The Government went further than the promise, and had the matter further and properly examined. The report to which the honourable member referred was prepared consequent upon that action on the part of the Government. The report made a number of recommendations. The bottom line is that the Government is considering, through appropriate processes, what the best solution for an expansion of water supply to the goldfields will be. There are a number of options. Unlike those opposite, we are concerned to advance the matter so that there will be opportunities to expand the goldfields, particularly those areas between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, but also further than that. We are very concerned to achieve something. My views on the issues are a matter of public record. In particular, we are very interested in one of the options - namely, a possible desalination plant in Esperance. These matters are being examined. They are matters of price. Unlike those opposite, the Government wishes to act responsibly on matters to do with the public purse, and intends to do so. In doing so, it intends to produce a very good outcome for the people of the goldfields.
Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(4) The issue raised in the question is a very important issue. Unlike its predecessors, this Government is concerned to have a viable program for water supply to the goldfields that is affordable to the community and will work. The Labor Party went to the election with a promise to call for expressions of interest. That promise was honoured. The Government went further than the promise, and had the matter further and properly examined. The report to which the honourable member referred was prepared consequent upon that action on the part of the Government. The report made a number of recommendations. The bottom line is that the Government is considering, through appropriate processes, what the best solution for an expansion of water supply to the goldfields will be. There are a number of options. Unlike those opposite, we are concerned to advance the matter so that there will be opportunities to expand the goldfields, particularly those areas between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, but also further than that. We are very concerned to achieve something. My views on the issues are a matter of public record. In particular, we are very interested in one of the options - namely, a possible desalination plant in Esperance. These matters are being examined. They are matters of price. Unlike those opposite, the Government wishes to act responsibly on matters to do with the public purse, and intends to do so. In doing so, it intends to produce a very good outcome for the people of the goldfields.
(1)-(4) The issue raised in the question is a very important issue. Unlike its predecessors, this Government is concerned to have a viable program for water supply to the goldfields that is affordable to the community and will work. The Labor Party went to the election with a promise to call for expressions of interest. That promise was honoured. The Government went further than the promise, and had the matter further and properly examined. The report to which the honourable member referred was prepared consequent upon that action on the part of the Government. The report made a number of recommendations. The bottom line is that the Government is considering, through appropriate processes, what the best solution for an expansion of water supply to the goldfields will be. There are a number of options. Unlike those opposite, we are concerned to advance the matter so that there will be opportunities to expand the goldfields, particularly those areas between Esperance and Kalgoorlie, but also further than that. We are very concerned to achieve something. My views on the issues are a matter of public record. In particular, we are very interested in one of the options - namely, a possible desalination plant in Esperance. These matters are being examined. They are matters of price. Unlike those opposite, the Government wishes to act responsibly on matters to do with the public purse, and intends to do so. In doing so, it intends to produce a very good outcome for the people of the goldfields.
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