❓ Mr. Simpson asks about addressing salinity in the Collie Basin and utilizing Wellington Dam. Dr. Jacobs outlines government initiatives including independent assessments and the Eastern Creek diversion project.
AnsweredQoN 777Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
COLLIE BASIN SALINITY — WELLINGTON DAM
Given the picture on the front page of yesterday’s newspaper and the fact that eight out of 23 dams in the south west have reached over 100 per cent capacity, can the minister advise the house what he is doing to address salinity levels in the Collie Basin and utilise the Wellington Dam water resource? Dr G.G. JACOBS
Given the picture on the front page of yesterday’s newspaper and the fact that eight out of 23 dams in the south west have reached over 100 per cent capacity, can the minister advise the house what he is doing to address salinity levels in the Collie Basin and utilise the Wellington Dam water resource? Dr G.G. JACOBS
AnswerView source ↗
Mr Speaker — The SPEAKER : Minister, take your seat. I would like members on both sides of the house to remain silent for a few moments. This is my normal request: members, please allow the minister to at least start his remarks. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the member for Darling Range for his question and interest in the very important resource in Western Australia called water. It is, indeed, a great day to be talking about the Wellington Dam, which is overflowing, as the member said, and it is only the fourth time in this decade that that has occurred. I will not take credit for that, because, as I have said previously, we have been blessed with rainfall this year. However, we did not squander what rainfall and increased flows we did get into our dams by putting it on our gardens and lawns during winter. As promised in its election commitments, this government committed $250 000 to an independent assessment of all projects in the upper Collie Basin that would lead to a reduction in the salinity levels of Wellington Dam. The rising salinity in Wellington Dam is a threat to our irrigation region, a very important viticulture and horticulture region in Western Australia. These projects, for which there have been over 20 expressions of interest, are being independently assessed by WorleyParsons, and KPMG, a large accountancy firm, is undertaking cost-benefit analyses. I commend the government for its actions, because in addition it implemented a pilot program for the Eastern Creek diversion of the first flush of the winter, which generally puts a lot of saline into Wellington Dam. Under this government, the Eastern Creek diversion will be expanded. The government has made a commitment to continue to expand that project. Another very good thing about the late winter rainfall, for which I do not take credit, is that the increasing flows into the Wellington Dam have tended to dilute the salinity levels in that dam. With both the expansion of the Eastern Creek diversion project and over 20 expressions of interest for projects to reduce salinity in Wellington Dam, the result of which I will be releasing in November when those investigations should be complete, I look forward to keeping the house informed about projects that can further decrease salinity in Wellington Dam.
Dr G.G. JACOBS replied: Mr Speaker — The SPEAKER : Minister, take your seat. I would like members on both sides of the house to remain silent for a few moments. This is my normal request: members, please allow the minister to at least start his remarks. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the member for Darling Range for his question and interest in the very important resource in Western Australia called water. It is, indeed, a great day to be talking about the Wellington Dam, which is overflowing, as the member said, and it is only the fourth time in this decade that that has occurred. I will not take credit for that, because, as I have said previously, we have been blessed with rainfall this year. However, we did not squander what rainfall and increased flows we did get into our dams by putting it on our gardens and lawns during winter. As promised in its election commitments, this government committed $250 000 to an independent assessment of all projects in the upper Collie Basin that would lead to a reduction in the salinity levels of Wellington Dam. The rising salinity in Wellington Dam is a threat to our irrigation region, a very important viticulture and horticulture region in Western Australia. These projects, for which there have been over 20 expressions of interest, are being independently assessed by WorleyParsons, and KPMG, a large accountancy firm, is undertaking cost-benefit analyses. I commend the government for its actions, because in addition it implemented a pilot program for the Eastern Creek diversion of the first flush of the winter, which generally puts a lot of saline into Wellington Dam. Under this government, the Eastern Creek diversion will be expanded. The government has made a commitment to continue to expand that project. Another very good thing about the late winter rainfall, for which I do not take credit, is that the increasing flows into the Wellington Dam have tended to dilute the salinity levels in that dam. With both the expansion of the Eastern Creek diversion project and over 20 expressions of interest for projects to reduce salinity in Wellington Dam, the result of which I will be releasing in November when those investigations should be complete, I look forward to keeping the house informed about projects that can further decrease salinity in Wellington Dam.
Mr Speaker — The SPEAKER : Minister, take your seat. I would like members on both sides of the house to remain silent for a few moments. This is my normal request: members, please allow the minister to at least start his remarks. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the member for Darling Range for his question and interest in the very important resource in Western Australia called water. It is, indeed, a great day to be talking about the Wellington Dam, which is overflowing, as the member said, and it is only the fourth time in this decade that that has occurred. I will not take credit for that, because, as I have said previously, we have been blessed with rainfall this year. However, we did not squander what rainfall and increased flows we did get into our dams by putting it on our gardens and lawns during winter. As promised in its election commitments, this government committed $250 000 to an independent assessment of all projects in the upper Collie Basin that would lead to a reduction in the salinity levels of Wellington Dam. The rising salinity in Wellington Dam is a threat to our irrigation region, a very important viticulture and horticulture region in Western Australia. These projects, for which there have been over 20 expressions of interest, are being independently assessed by WorleyParsons, and KPMG, a large accountancy firm, is undertaking cost-benefit analyses. I commend the government for its actions, because in addition it implemented a pilot program for the Eastern Creek diversion of the first flush of the winter, which generally puts a lot of saline into Wellington Dam. Under this government, the Eastern Creek diversion will be expanded. The government has made a commitment to continue to expand that project. Another very good thing about the late winter rainfall, for which I do not take credit, is that the increasing flows into the Wellington Dam have tended to dilute the salinity levels in that dam. With both the expansion of the Eastern Creek diversion project and over 20 expressions of interest for projects to reduce salinity in Wellington Dam, the result of which I will be releasing in November when those investigations should be complete, I look forward to keeping the house informed about projects that can further decrease salinity in Wellington Dam.
The SPEAKER : Minister, take your seat. I would like members on both sides of the house to remain silent for a few moments. This is my normal request: members, please allow the minister to at least start his remarks. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the member for Darling Range for his question and interest in the very important resource in Western Australia called water. It is, indeed, a great day to be talking about the Wellington Dam, which is overflowing, as the member said, and it is only the fourth time in this decade that that has occurred. I will not take credit for that, because, as I have said previously, we have been blessed with rainfall this year. However, we did not squander what rainfall and increased flows we did get into our dams by putting it on our gardens and lawns during winter. As promised in its election commitments, this government committed $250 000 to an independent assessment of all projects in the upper Collie Basin that would lead to a reduction in the salinity levels of Wellington Dam. The rising salinity in Wellington Dam is a threat to our irrigation region, a very important viticulture and horticulture region in Western Australia. These projects, for which there have been over 20 expressions of interest, are being independently assessed by WorleyParsons, and KPMG, a large accountancy firm, is undertaking cost-benefit analyses. I commend the government for its actions, because in addition it implemented a pilot program for the Eastern Creek diversion of the first flush of the winter, which generally puts a lot of saline into Wellington Dam. Under this government, the Eastern Creek diversion will be expanded. The government has made a commitment to continue to expand that project. Another very good thing about the late winter rainfall, for which I do not take credit, is that the increasing flows into the Wellington Dam have tended to dilute the salinity levels in that dam. With both the expansion of the Eastern Creek diversion project and over 20 expressions of interest for projects to reduce salinity in Wellington Dam, the result of which I will be releasing in November when those investigations should be complete, I look forward to keeping the house informed about projects that can further decrease salinity in Wellington Dam.
Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the member for Darling Range for his question and interest in the very important resource in Western Australia called water. It is, indeed, a great day to be talking about the Wellington Dam, which is overflowing, as the member said, and it is only the fourth time in this decade that that has occurred. I will not take credit for that, because, as I have said previously, we have been blessed with rainfall this year. However, we did not squander what rainfall and increased flows we did get into our dams by putting it on our gardens and lawns during winter. As promised in its election commitments, this government committed $250 000 to an independent assessment of all projects in the upper Collie Basin that would lead to a reduction in the salinity levels of Wellington Dam. The rising salinity in Wellington Dam is a threat to our irrigation region, a very important viticulture and horticulture region in Western Australia. These projects, for which there have been over 20 expressions of interest, are being independently assessed by WorleyParsons, and KPMG, a large accountancy firm, is undertaking cost-benefit analyses. I commend the government for its actions, because in addition it implemented a pilot program for the Eastern Creek diversion of the first flush of the winter, which generally puts a lot of saline into Wellington Dam. Under this government, the Eastern Creek diversion will be expanded. The government has made a commitment to continue to expand that project. Another very good thing about the late winter rainfall, for which I do not take credit, is that the increasing flows into the Wellington Dam have tended to dilute the salinity levels in that dam. With both the expansion of the Eastern Creek diversion project and over 20 expressions of interest for projects to reduce salinity in Wellington Dam, the result of which I will be releasing in November when those investigations should be complete, I look forward to keeping the house informed about projects that can further decrease salinity in Wellington Dam.
I thank the member for Darling Range for his question and interest in the very important resource in Western Australia called water. It is, indeed, a great day to be talking about the Wellington Dam, which is overflowing, as the member said, and it is only the fourth time in this decade that that has occurred. I will not take credit for that, because, as I have said previously, we have been blessed with rainfall this year. However, we did not squander what rainfall and increased flows we did get into our dams by putting it on our gardens and lawns during winter. As promised in its election commitments, this government committed $250 000 to an independent assessment of all projects in the upper Collie Basin that would lead to a reduction in the salinity levels of Wellington Dam. The rising salinity in Wellington Dam is a threat to our irrigation region, a very important viticulture and horticulture region in Western Australia. These projects, for which there have been over 20 expressions of interest, are being independently assessed by WorleyParsons, and KPMG, a large accountancy firm, is undertaking cost-benefit analyses. I commend the government for its actions, because in addition it implemented a pilot program for the Eastern Creek diversion of the first flush of the winter, which generally puts a lot of saline into Wellington Dam. Under this government, the Eastern Creek diversion will be expanded. The government has made a commitment to continue to expand that project. Another very good thing about the late winter rainfall, for which I do not take credit, is that the increasing flows into the Wellington Dam have tended to dilute the salinity levels in that dam. With both the expansion of the Eastern Creek diversion project and over 20 expressions of interest for projects to reduce salinity in Wellington Dam, the result of which I will be releasing in November when those investigations should be complete, I look forward to keeping the house informed about projects that can further decrease salinity in Wellington Dam.
As promised in its election commitments, this government committed $250 000 to an independent assessment of all projects in the upper Collie Basin that would lead to a reduction in the salinity levels of Wellington Dam. The rising salinity in Wellington Dam is a threat to our irrigation region, a very important viticulture and horticulture region in Western Australia. These projects, for which there have been over 20 expressions of interest, are being independently assessed by WorleyParsons, and KPMG, a large accountancy firm, is undertaking cost-benefit analyses. I commend the government for its actions, because in addition it implemented a pilot program for the Eastern Creek diversion of the first flush of the winter, which generally puts a lot of saline into Wellington Dam. Under this government, the Eastern Creek diversion will be expanded. The government has made a commitment to continue to expand that project. Another very good thing about the late winter rainfall, for which I do not take credit, is that the increasing flows into the Wellington Dam have tended to dilute the salinity levels in that dam. With both the expansion of the Eastern Creek diversion project and over 20 expressions of interest for projects to reduce salinity in Wellington Dam, the result of which I will be releasing in November when those investigations should be complete, I look forward to keeping the house informed about projects that can further decrease salinity in Wellington Dam.
Another very good thing about the late winter rainfall, for which I do not take credit, is that the increasing flows into the Wellington Dam have tended to dilute the salinity levels in that dam. With both the expansion of the Eastern Creek diversion project and over 20 expressions of interest for projects to reduce salinity in Wellington Dam, the result of which I will be releasing in November when those investigations should be complete, I look forward to keeping the house informed about projects that can further decrease salinity in Wellington Dam.
Dr G.G. JACOBS replied: Mr Speaker — The SPEAKER : Minister, take your seat. I would like members on both sides of the house to remain silent for a few moments. This is my normal request: members, please allow the minister to at least start his remarks. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the member for Darling Range for his question and interest in the very important resource in Western Australia called water. It is, indeed, a great day to be talking about the Wellington Dam, which is overflowing, as the member said, and it is only the fourth time in this decade that that has occurred. I will not take credit for that, because, as I have said previously, we have been blessed with rainfall this year. However, we did not squander what rainfall and increased flows we did get into our dams by putting it on our gardens and lawns during winter. As promised in its election commitments, this government committed $250 000 to an independent assessment of all projects in the upper Collie Basin that would lead to a reduction in the salinity levels of Wellington Dam. The rising salinity in Wellington Dam is a threat to our irrigation region, a very important viticulture and horticulture region in Western Australia. These projects, for which there have been over 20 expressions of interest, are being independently assessed by WorleyParsons, and KPMG, a large accountancy firm, is undertaking cost-benefit analyses. I commend the government for its actions, because in addition it implemented a pilot program for the Eastern Creek diversion of the first flush of the winter, which generally puts a lot of saline into Wellington Dam. Under this government, the Eastern Creek diversion will be expanded. The government has made a commitment to continue to expand that project. Another very good thing about the late winter rainfall, for which I do not take credit, is that the increasing flows into the Wellington Dam have tended to dilute the salinity levels in that dam. With both the expansion of the Eastern Creek diversion project and over 20 expressions of interest for projects to reduce salinity in Wellington Dam, the result of which I will be releasing in November when those investigations should be complete, I look forward to keeping the house informed about projects that can further decrease salinity in Wellington Dam.
Mr Speaker — The SPEAKER : Minister, take your seat. I would like members on both sides of the house to remain silent for a few moments. This is my normal request: members, please allow the minister to at least start his remarks. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the member for Darling Range for his question and interest in the very important resource in Western Australia called water. It is, indeed, a great day to be talking about the Wellington Dam, which is overflowing, as the member said, and it is only the fourth time in this decade that that has occurred. I will not take credit for that, because, as I have said previously, we have been blessed with rainfall this year. However, we did not squander what rainfall and increased flows we did get into our dams by putting it on our gardens and lawns during winter. As promised in its election commitments, this government committed $250 000 to an independent assessment of all projects in the upper Collie Basin that would lead to a reduction in the salinity levels of Wellington Dam. The rising salinity in Wellington Dam is a threat to our irrigation region, a very important viticulture and horticulture region in Western Australia. These projects, for which there have been over 20 expressions of interest, are being independently assessed by WorleyParsons, and KPMG, a large accountancy firm, is undertaking cost-benefit analyses. I commend the government for its actions, because in addition it implemented a pilot program for the Eastern Creek diversion of the first flush of the winter, which generally puts a lot of saline into Wellington Dam. Under this government, the Eastern Creek diversion will be expanded. The government has made a commitment to continue to expand that project. Another very good thing about the late winter rainfall, for which I do not take credit, is that the increasing flows into the Wellington Dam have tended to dilute the salinity levels in that dam. With both the expansion of the Eastern Creek diversion project and over 20 expressions of interest for projects to reduce salinity in Wellington Dam, the result of which I will be releasing in November when those investigations should be complete, I look forward to keeping the house informed about projects that can further decrease salinity in Wellington Dam.
The SPEAKER : Minister, take your seat. I would like members on both sides of the house to remain silent for a few moments. This is my normal request: members, please allow the minister to at least start his remarks. Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the member for Darling Range for his question and interest in the very important resource in Western Australia called water. It is, indeed, a great day to be talking about the Wellington Dam, which is overflowing, as the member said, and it is only the fourth time in this decade that that has occurred. I will not take credit for that, because, as I have said previously, we have been blessed with rainfall this year. However, we did not squander what rainfall and increased flows we did get into our dams by putting it on our gardens and lawns during winter. As promised in its election commitments, this government committed $250 000 to an independent assessment of all projects in the upper Collie Basin that would lead to a reduction in the salinity levels of Wellington Dam. The rising salinity in Wellington Dam is a threat to our irrigation region, a very important viticulture and horticulture region in Western Australia. These projects, for which there have been over 20 expressions of interest, are being independently assessed by WorleyParsons, and KPMG, a large accountancy firm, is undertaking cost-benefit analyses. I commend the government for its actions, because in addition it implemented a pilot program for the Eastern Creek diversion of the first flush of the winter, which generally puts a lot of saline into Wellington Dam. Under this government, the Eastern Creek diversion will be expanded. The government has made a commitment to continue to expand that project. Another very good thing about the late winter rainfall, for which I do not take credit, is that the increasing flows into the Wellington Dam have tended to dilute the salinity levels in that dam. With both the expansion of the Eastern Creek diversion project and over 20 expressions of interest for projects to reduce salinity in Wellington Dam, the result of which I will be releasing in November when those investigations should be complete, I look forward to keeping the house informed about projects that can further decrease salinity in Wellington Dam.
Dr G.G. JACOBS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the member for Darling Range for his question and interest in the very important resource in Western Australia called water. It is, indeed, a great day to be talking about the Wellington Dam, which is overflowing, as the member said, and it is only the fourth time in this decade that that has occurred. I will not take credit for that, because, as I have said previously, we have been blessed with rainfall this year. However, we did not squander what rainfall and increased flows we did get into our dams by putting it on our gardens and lawns during winter. As promised in its election commitments, this government committed $250 000 to an independent assessment of all projects in the upper Collie Basin that would lead to a reduction in the salinity levels of Wellington Dam. The rising salinity in Wellington Dam is a threat to our irrigation region, a very important viticulture and horticulture region in Western Australia. These projects, for which there have been over 20 expressions of interest, are being independently assessed by WorleyParsons, and KPMG, a large accountancy firm, is undertaking cost-benefit analyses. I commend the government for its actions, because in addition it implemented a pilot program for the Eastern Creek diversion of the first flush of the winter, which generally puts a lot of saline into Wellington Dam. Under this government, the Eastern Creek diversion will be expanded. The government has made a commitment to continue to expand that project. Another very good thing about the late winter rainfall, for which I do not take credit, is that the increasing flows into the Wellington Dam have tended to dilute the salinity levels in that dam. With both the expansion of the Eastern Creek diversion project and over 20 expressions of interest for projects to reduce salinity in Wellington Dam, the result of which I will be releasing in November when those investigations should be complete, I look forward to keeping the house informed about projects that can further decrease salinity in Wellington Dam.
I thank the member for Darling Range for his question and interest in the very important resource in Western Australia called water. It is, indeed, a great day to be talking about the Wellington Dam, which is overflowing, as the member said, and it is only the fourth time in this decade that that has occurred. I will not take credit for that, because, as I have said previously, we have been blessed with rainfall this year. However, we did not squander what rainfall and increased flows we did get into our dams by putting it on our gardens and lawns during winter. As promised in its election commitments, this government committed $250 000 to an independent assessment of all projects in the upper Collie Basin that would lead to a reduction in the salinity levels of Wellington Dam. The rising salinity in Wellington Dam is a threat to our irrigation region, a very important viticulture and horticulture region in Western Australia. These projects, for which there have been over 20 expressions of interest, are being independently assessed by WorleyParsons, and KPMG, a large accountancy firm, is undertaking cost-benefit analyses. I commend the government for its actions, because in addition it implemented a pilot program for the Eastern Creek diversion of the first flush of the winter, which generally puts a lot of saline into Wellington Dam. Under this government, the Eastern Creek diversion will be expanded. The government has made a commitment to continue to expand that project. Another very good thing about the late winter rainfall, for which I do not take credit, is that the increasing flows into the Wellington Dam have tended to dilute the salinity levels in that dam. With both the expansion of the Eastern Creek diversion project and over 20 expressions of interest for projects to reduce salinity in Wellington Dam, the result of which I will be releasing in November when those investigations should be complete, I look forward to keeping the house informed about projects that can further decrease salinity in Wellington Dam.
As promised in its election commitments, this government committed $250 000 to an independent assessment of all projects in the upper Collie Basin that would lead to a reduction in the salinity levels of Wellington Dam. The rising salinity in Wellington Dam is a threat to our irrigation region, a very important viticulture and horticulture region in Western Australia. These projects, for which there have been over 20 expressions of interest, are being independently assessed by WorleyParsons, and KPMG, a large accountancy firm, is undertaking cost-benefit analyses. I commend the government for its actions, because in addition it implemented a pilot program for the Eastern Creek diversion of the first flush of the winter, which generally puts a lot of saline into Wellington Dam. Under this government, the Eastern Creek diversion will be expanded. The government has made a commitment to continue to expand that project. Another very good thing about the late winter rainfall, for which I do not take credit, is that the increasing flows into the Wellington Dam have tended to dilute the salinity levels in that dam. With both the expansion of the Eastern Creek diversion project and over 20 expressions of interest for projects to reduce salinity in Wellington Dam, the result of which I will be releasing in November when those investigations should be complete, I look forward to keeping the house informed about projects that can further decrease salinity in Wellington Dam.
Another very good thing about the late winter rainfall, for which I do not take credit, is that the increasing flows into the Wellington Dam have tended to dilute the salinity levels in that dam. With both the expansion of the Eastern Creek diversion project and over 20 expressions of interest for projects to reduce salinity in Wellington Dam, the result of which I will be releasing in November when those investigations should be complete, I look forward to keeping the house informed about projects that can further decrease salinity in Wellington Dam.
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