A parliamentary question seeks information on the impact of forest growth on dam runoff and the progress of a study examining vegetation management for increased water flows. The Minister provides a non-committal response.

AnsweredQoN 1437Legislative Council
Asked
24 October 2003
Portfolio
Government Enterprises

QuestionView source ↗

Western Australian dams are holding approximately 38 per cent of capacity following good falls of rain recorded at Bickley, which is a good indicator of rainfall patterns over the dam catchment areas. (1) Will the minister inform the House what percentage of run-off has been reduced this winter compared with previous rainfall events 20 years ago as forest floor and vegetation trees have built up in those catchment areas? (2) When will the study being undertaken by Murdoch University, the Water Corporation and the Department of Conservation and Land Management on the issue of the selective reduction of trees and vegetation and the use of controlled burning of catchment areas, which could lead to an increase of water flows into dams, be completed? (3) Will the minister undertake to inform the House when this study is completed? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS

AnswerView source ↗

(1)-(3) In answer to the first question, I regret that I am not in a position to give the honourable member a precise answer off the top of my head. In answer to the second question, I will do what I can to make sure that the honourable member and the House are fully informed as soon as that can reasonably occur.
(1) Will the minister inform the House what percentage of run-off has been reduced this winter compared with previous rainfall events 20 years ago as forest floor and vegetation trees have built up in those catchment areas? (2) When will the study being undertaken by Murdoch University, the Water Corporation and the Department of Conservation and Land Management on the issue of the selective reduction of trees and vegetation and the use of controlled burning of catchment areas, which could lead to an increase of water flows into dams, be completed? (3) Will the minister undertake to inform the House when this study is completed? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(3) In answer to the first question, I regret that I am not in a position to give the honourable member a precise answer off the top of my head. In answer to the second question, I will do what I can to make sure that the honourable member and the House are fully informed as soon as that can reasonably occur.
(2) When will the study being undertaken by Murdoch University, the Water Corporation and the Department of Conservation and Land Management on the issue of the selective reduction of trees and vegetation and the use of controlled burning of catchment areas, which could lead to an increase of water flows into dams, be completed? (3) Will the minister undertake to inform the House when this study is completed? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(3) In answer to the first question, I regret that I am not in a position to give the honourable member a precise answer off the top of my head. In answer to the second question, I will do what I can to make sure that the honourable member and the House are fully informed as soon as that can reasonably occur.
(3) Will the minister undertake to inform the House when this study is completed? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(3) In answer to the first question, I regret that I am not in a position to give the honourable member a precise answer off the top of my head. In answer to the second question, I will do what I can to make sure that the honourable member and the House are fully informed as soon as that can reasonably occur.
Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1)-(3) In answer to the first question, I regret that I am not in a position to give the honourable member a precise answer off the top of my head. In answer to the second question, I will do what I can to make sure that the honourable member and the House are fully informed as soon as that can reasonably occur.
(1)-(3) In answer to the first question, I regret that I am not in a position to give the honourable member a precise answer off the top of my head. In answer to the second question, I will do what I can to make sure that the honourable member and the House are fully informed as soon as that can reasonably occur.

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