Hon. Neil Thomson questions the Minister for Transport regarding contingency plans for heavy transport across the Fitzroy River during the upcoming wet season, expressing concern for the East Kimberley's economic future. The Minister's response indicates consultation with the Kimberley Development Commission and DFES.

AnsweredQoN 1136Legislative Council
Asked
21 September 2023
Portfolio
Transport

QuestionView source ↗

KIMBERLEY FLOODS —
FITZROY RIVER BRIDGE
1136. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the minister representing the
Minister for Transport:
I refer to question without notice
963 regarding the dire situation facing businesses in the East Kimberley and note
the minister has failed to guarantee that heavy transport will continue to
operate across the Fitzroy River throughout the coming wet season.
(1) Is the
minister risking the economic future of the East Kimberley on the hope wet
season rains will not arrive early in the Fitzroy Valley catchment?
(2) Who has
Main Roads undertaken consultation with concerning options to maintain
connectivity during the coming wet season,
such as with the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Shire of Wyndham–East Kimberley and other specific businesses in the East
Kimberley, and please provide a list of who and when this consultation
occurred?
(3) What options
are being considered to maintain connectivity if the river rises over the
low-level crossing before the new bridge is open to traffic?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. The following answer is provided on behalf of the
Minister for Transport.
(1)–(3) Main
Roads has met with the Kimberley Development Commission and the Department of
Fire and Emergency Services regarding access requirements. Regular meetings
continue to be held with DFES in preparation for the wet season.

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