❓ A parliamentary question regarding WA government funding and proposals for addressing water over-allocation in the Gnangara mound, compared to Murray-Darling Basin funding. The Premier's response deflects and highlights state investments in water management.
AnsweredQoN 404Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the $500 million of funding over five years to address water over-allocation in the Murray-Darling Basin, of which the Commonwealth Government committed $200 million, to add to New South Wales’ contribution of $115 million, Victoria’s contribution of $115 million, South Australia’s contribution of $65 million and the Australian Capital Territory’s contribution of $5 million, which is $300 million of state money to attract $200 million of commonwealth money. (1) How much money has the Gallop Government committed to address water over-allocation in the Gnangara mound? (2) Has the Gallop Government put a proposal to the Commonwealth for returning sustainability to the Gnangara mound? (3) Is this just another example of the Gallop Government’s rhetoric, as we saw when it took four years to sign the national action plan, when Western Australia really needs a firm commitment to restore our environmental flows? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
I thought the member for Merredin would be a little more cheerful today after his wonderful trip on that Labor train on Sunday. It was quick; indeed, like me, he had the privilege of being on a passenger train that, for the first time in the State’s history, travelled at 160 kilometres an hour. It was efficient and comfortable, and I thought that the member would come into this Parliament today and be a little more positive about the State of Western Australia. (1)-(3) The Government of Western Australia has invested extensively in the water problems that our State faces. Mr M.W. Trenorden: Oh yes? Tell us about it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
(1) How much money has the Gallop Government committed to address water over-allocation in the Gnangara mound? (2) Has the Gallop Government put a proposal to the Commonwealth for returning sustainability to the Gnangara mound? (3) Is this just another example of the Gallop Government’s rhetoric, as we saw when it took four years to sign the national action plan, when Western Australia really needs a firm commitment to restore our environmental flows? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I thought the member for Merredin would be a little more cheerful today after his wonderful trip on that Labor train on Sunday. It was quick; indeed, like me, he had the privilege of being on a passenger train that, for the first time in the State’s history, travelled at 160 kilometres an hour. It was efficient and comfortable, and I thought that the member would come into this Parliament today and be a little more positive about the State of Western Australia. (1)-(3) The Government of Western Australia has invested extensively in the water problems that our State faces. Mr M.W. Trenorden: Oh yes? Tell us about it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
(2) Has the Gallop Government put a proposal to the Commonwealth for returning sustainability to the Gnangara mound? (3) Is this just another example of the Gallop Government’s rhetoric, as we saw when it took four years to sign the national action plan, when Western Australia really needs a firm commitment to restore our environmental flows? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I thought the member for Merredin would be a little more cheerful today after his wonderful trip on that Labor train on Sunday. It was quick; indeed, like me, he had the privilege of being on a passenger train that, for the first time in the State’s history, travelled at 160 kilometres an hour. It was efficient and comfortable, and I thought that the member would come into this Parliament today and be a little more positive about the State of Western Australia. (1)-(3) The Government of Western Australia has invested extensively in the water problems that our State faces. Mr M.W. Trenorden: Oh yes? Tell us about it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
(3) Is this just another example of the Gallop Government’s rhetoric, as we saw when it took four years to sign the national action plan, when Western Australia really needs a firm commitment to restore our environmental flows? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I thought the member for Merredin would be a little more cheerful today after his wonderful trip on that Labor train on Sunday. It was quick; indeed, like me, he had the privilege of being on a passenger train that, for the first time in the State’s history, travelled at 160 kilometres an hour. It was efficient and comfortable, and I thought that the member would come into this Parliament today and be a little more positive about the State of Western Australia. (1)-(3) The Government of Western Australia has invested extensively in the water problems that our State faces. Mr M.W. Trenorden: Oh yes? Tell us about it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I thought the member for Merredin would be a little more cheerful today after his wonderful trip on that Labor train on Sunday. It was quick; indeed, like me, he had the privilege of being on a passenger train that, for the first time in the State’s history, travelled at 160 kilometres an hour. It was efficient and comfortable, and I thought that the member would come into this Parliament today and be a little more positive about the State of Western Australia. (1)-(3) The Government of Western Australia has invested extensively in the water problems that our State faces. Mr M.W. Trenorden: Oh yes? Tell us about it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
I thought the member for Merredin would be a little more cheerful today after his wonderful trip on that Labor train on Sunday. It was quick; indeed, like me, he had the privilege of being on a passenger train that, for the first time in the State’s history, travelled at 160 kilometres an hour. It was efficient and comfortable, and I thought that the member would come into this Parliament today and be a little more positive about the State of Western Australia. (1)-(3) The Government of Western Australia has invested extensively in the water problems that our State faces. Mr M.W. Trenorden: Oh yes? Tell us about it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
(1)-(3) The Government of Western Australia has invested extensively in the water problems that our State faces. Mr M.W. Trenorden: Oh yes? Tell us about it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
Mr M.W. Trenorden: Oh yes? Tell us about it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
(1) How much money has the Gallop Government committed to address water over-allocation in the Gnangara mound? (2) Has the Gallop Government put a proposal to the Commonwealth for returning sustainability to the Gnangara mound? (3) Is this just another example of the Gallop Government’s rhetoric, as we saw when it took four years to sign the national action plan, when Western Australia really needs a firm commitment to restore our environmental flows? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I thought the member for Merredin would be a little more cheerful today after his wonderful trip on that Labor train on Sunday. It was quick; indeed, like me, he had the privilege of being on a passenger train that, for the first time in the State’s history, travelled at 160 kilometres an hour. It was efficient and comfortable, and I thought that the member would come into this Parliament today and be a little more positive about the State of Western Australia. (1)-(3) The Government of Western Australia has invested extensively in the water problems that our State faces. Mr M.W. Trenorden: Oh yes? Tell us about it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
(2) Has the Gallop Government put a proposal to the Commonwealth for returning sustainability to the Gnangara mound? (3) Is this just another example of the Gallop Government’s rhetoric, as we saw when it took four years to sign the national action plan, when Western Australia really needs a firm commitment to restore our environmental flows? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I thought the member for Merredin would be a little more cheerful today after his wonderful trip on that Labor train on Sunday. It was quick; indeed, like me, he had the privilege of being on a passenger train that, for the first time in the State’s history, travelled at 160 kilometres an hour. It was efficient and comfortable, and I thought that the member would come into this Parliament today and be a little more positive about the State of Western Australia. (1)-(3) The Government of Western Australia has invested extensively in the water problems that our State faces. Mr M.W. Trenorden: Oh yes? Tell us about it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
(3) Is this just another example of the Gallop Government’s rhetoric, as we saw when it took four years to sign the national action plan, when Western Australia really needs a firm commitment to restore our environmental flows? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I thought the member for Merredin would be a little more cheerful today after his wonderful trip on that Labor train on Sunday. It was quick; indeed, like me, he had the privilege of being on a passenger train that, for the first time in the State’s history, travelled at 160 kilometres an hour. It was efficient and comfortable, and I thought that the member would come into this Parliament today and be a little more positive about the State of Western Australia. (1)-(3) The Government of Western Australia has invested extensively in the water problems that our State faces. Mr M.W. Trenorden: Oh yes? Tell us about it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I thought the member for Merredin would be a little more cheerful today after his wonderful trip on that Labor train on Sunday. It was quick; indeed, like me, he had the privilege of being on a passenger train that, for the first time in the State’s history, travelled at 160 kilometres an hour. It was efficient and comfortable, and I thought that the member would come into this Parliament today and be a little more positive about the State of Western Australia. (1)-(3) The Government of Western Australia has invested extensively in the water problems that our State faces. Mr M.W. Trenorden: Oh yes? Tell us about it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
I thought the member for Merredin would be a little more cheerful today after his wonderful trip on that Labor train on Sunday. It was quick; indeed, like me, he had the privilege of being on a passenger train that, for the first time in the State’s history, travelled at 160 kilometres an hour. It was efficient and comfortable, and I thought that the member would come into this Parliament today and be a little more positive about the State of Western Australia. (1)-(3) The Government of Western Australia has invested extensively in the water problems that our State faces. Mr M.W. Trenorden: Oh yes? Tell us about it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
(1)-(3) The Government of Western Australia has invested extensively in the water problems that our State faces. Mr M.W. Trenorden: Oh yes? Tell us about it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
Mr M.W. Trenorden: Oh yes? Tell us about it. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I will. The Leader of the National Party has invited me to tell him about it. First, we have invested extensively in the extension and upgrade of our dams. The only problem is that they are about one-quarter full at the moment, and, as a result of the 50 per cent reduction in run-off over the past 30 years, compared with that in the previous 70 years, we cannot rely on them totally for our water supply. Secondly, we invested in a new recycling plant in Kwinana, which has enabled the industries in that area to recycle all of their water. Thirdly, we have invested in new bores to provide underground water as part of the Gnangara system. Fourthly, we have invested in new metering systems that will be used by farmers in the Gnangara mound to get a clear view of how much water is being used. The Minister for the Environment informs me that that investment is about $6 million. Of course, the Government has also entered into many other projects to make sure that we can deal with our water needs into the future. I look forward to the results of the irrigation review that is currently being undertaken as part of the work of the water task force in Western Australia. This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
This Government told the Commonwealth Government what it has done, that a lot more needs to be done and that it should provide a share of what this Government is doing, just as it provided a share of what is going into the Murray-Darling river system. The Prime Minister made it clear that he would not contemplate putting any money on the table as part of the national water agreement. That was done for the Murray-Darling river system and the eastern States, but it will not be done for Western Australia. The member for Merredin can be very happy when he goes out into the community and advocates for the Murray-Darling river system, John Howard and the Commonwealth Government; however, I will advocate for the people of Western Australia.
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