❓ A parliamentary question addresses concerns in Kununurra regarding a proposed water source protection plan, specifically regarding land allocation for future water supply versus immediate development. The Minister acknowledges the concerns and outlines the government's approach to gathering more information before making a final decision.
AnsweredQoN 1642Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the minister aware of serious concerns in Kununurra relating to the proposed water source protection plan? (2) If so, what action is the minister taking to alleviate these concerns? (3) Is the minister aware that the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley is so concerned that it has written to the Premier outlining its concerns? (4) If yes to (3), has the minister discussed the matter with the Premier; and, if so, what action will the minister be taking? Hon TOM STEPHENS
AnswerView source ↗
I have received the following response from the Minister for the Environment - (1) Yes. (2) It is important to appreciate that the 2003 interim report on the drinking water source protection plan - DWSPP - consists of essentially two parts - the western portion that includes the land, bores and other infrastructure needed to supply safe drinking water to Kununurra now and for the immediate future; and the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra. The conflict is primarily about the eastern portion - should it be protected until sufficient information is available to the Government to approve an alternative future source - at a reasonable cost and of an acceptable water quality - and then released for development; or should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future? It must be appreciated that safe drinking water does not just happen. It has to be planned for well in advance of its need. Yes, there is a conflict between the current planning expectation in Kununurra and the protection of Kununurra’s future drinking water supply. However, given that this is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a planning issue, careful consideration must be given to any final decision by government. The information necessary to make a sound decision is still being collected. The interim report proposes that no decision to release the land for development be made until this information is available. The Government expects to receive an investigation plan to collect this additional information from a working group comprising state government agencies, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. (3) Yes. (4) See response to (2).
(2) If so, what action is the minister taking to alleviate these concerns? (3) Is the minister aware that the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley is so concerned that it has written to the Premier outlining its concerns? (4) If yes to (3), has the minister discussed the matter with the Premier; and, if so, what action will the minister be taking? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I have received the following response from the Minister for the Environment - (1) Yes. (2) It is important to appreciate that the 2003 interim report on the drinking water source protection plan - DWSPP - consists of essentially two parts - the western portion that includes the land, bores and other infrastructure needed to supply safe drinking water to Kununurra now and for the immediate future; and the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra. The conflict is primarily about the eastern portion - should it be protected until sufficient information is available to the Government to approve an alternative future source - at a reasonable cost and of an acceptable water quality - and then released for development; or should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future? It must be appreciated that safe drinking water does not just happen. It has to be planned for well in advance of its need. Yes, there is a conflict between the current planning expectation in Kununurra and the protection of Kununurra’s future drinking water supply. However, given that this is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a planning issue, careful consideration must be given to any final decision by government. The information necessary to make a sound decision is still being collected. The interim report proposes that no decision to release the land for development be made until this information is available. The Government expects to receive an investigation plan to collect this additional information from a working group comprising state government agencies, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. (3) Yes. (4) See response to (2).
(3) Is the minister aware that the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley is so concerned that it has written to the Premier outlining its concerns? (4) If yes to (3), has the minister discussed the matter with the Premier; and, if so, what action will the minister be taking? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I have received the following response from the Minister for the Environment - (1) Yes. (2) It is important to appreciate that the 2003 interim report on the drinking water source protection plan - DWSPP - consists of essentially two parts - the western portion that includes the land, bores and other infrastructure needed to supply safe drinking water to Kununurra now and for the immediate future; and the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra. The conflict is primarily about the eastern portion - should it be protected until sufficient information is available to the Government to approve an alternative future source - at a reasonable cost and of an acceptable water quality - and then released for development; or should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future? It must be appreciated that safe drinking water does not just happen. It has to be planned for well in advance of its need. Yes, there is a conflict between the current planning expectation in Kununurra and the protection of Kununurra’s future drinking water supply. However, given that this is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a planning issue, careful consideration must be given to any final decision by government. The information necessary to make a sound decision is still being collected. The interim report proposes that no decision to release the land for development be made until this information is available. The Government expects to receive an investigation plan to collect this additional information from a working group comprising state government agencies, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. (3) Yes. (4) See response to (2).
(4) If yes to (3), has the minister discussed the matter with the Premier; and, if so, what action will the minister be taking? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I have received the following response from the Minister for the Environment - (1) Yes. (2) It is important to appreciate that the 2003 interim report on the drinking water source protection plan - DWSPP - consists of essentially two parts - the western portion that includes the land, bores and other infrastructure needed to supply safe drinking water to Kununurra now and for the immediate future; and the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra. The conflict is primarily about the eastern portion - should it be protected until sufficient information is available to the Government to approve an alternative future source - at a reasonable cost and of an acceptable water quality - and then released for development; or should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future? It must be appreciated that safe drinking water does not just happen. It has to be planned for well in advance of its need. Yes, there is a conflict between the current planning expectation in Kununurra and the protection of Kununurra’s future drinking water supply. However, given that this is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a planning issue, careful consideration must be given to any final decision by government. The information necessary to make a sound decision is still being collected. The interim report proposes that no decision to release the land for development be made until this information is available. The Government expects to receive an investigation plan to collect this additional information from a working group comprising state government agencies, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. (3) Yes. (4) See response to (2).
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I have received the following response from the Minister for the Environment - (1) Yes. (2) It is important to appreciate that the 2003 interim report on the drinking water source protection plan - DWSPP - consists of essentially two parts - the western portion that includes the land, bores and other infrastructure needed to supply safe drinking water to Kununurra now and for the immediate future; and the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra. The conflict is primarily about the eastern portion - should it be protected until sufficient information is available to the Government to approve an alternative future source - at a reasonable cost and of an acceptable water quality - and then released for development; or should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future? It must be appreciated that safe drinking water does not just happen. It has to be planned for well in advance of its need. Yes, there is a conflict between the current planning expectation in Kununurra and the protection of Kununurra’s future drinking water supply. However, given that this is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a planning issue, careful consideration must be given to any final decision by government. The information necessary to make a sound decision is still being collected. The interim report proposes that no decision to release the land for development be made until this information is available. The Government expects to receive an investigation plan to collect this additional information from a working group comprising state government agencies, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. (3) Yes. (4) See response to (2).
I have received the following response from the Minister for the Environment - (1) Yes. (2) It is important to appreciate that the 2003 interim report on the drinking water source protection plan - DWSPP - consists of essentially two parts - the western portion that includes the land, bores and other infrastructure needed to supply safe drinking water to Kununurra now and for the immediate future; and the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra. The conflict is primarily about the eastern portion - should it be protected until sufficient information is available to the Government to approve an alternative future source - at a reasonable cost and of an acceptable water quality - and then released for development; or should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future? It must be appreciated that safe drinking water does not just happen. It has to be planned for well in advance of its need. Yes, there is a conflict between the current planning expectation in Kununurra and the protection of Kununurra’s future drinking water supply. However, given that this is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a planning issue, careful consideration must be given to any final decision by government. The information necessary to make a sound decision is still being collected. The interim report proposes that no decision to release the land for development be made until this information is available. The Government expects to receive an investigation plan to collect this additional information from a working group comprising state government agencies, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. (3) Yes. (4) See response to (2).
(1) Yes. (2) It is important to appreciate that the 2003 interim report on the drinking water source protection plan - DWSPP - consists of essentially two parts - the western portion that includes the land, bores and other infrastructure needed to supply safe drinking water to Kununurra now and for the immediate future; and the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra. The conflict is primarily about the eastern portion - should it be protected until sufficient information is available to the Government to approve an alternative future source - at a reasonable cost and of an acceptable water quality - and then released for development; or should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future? It must be appreciated that safe drinking water does not just happen. It has to be planned for well in advance of its need. Yes, there is a conflict between the current planning expectation in Kununurra and the protection of Kununurra’s future drinking water supply. However, given that this is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a planning issue, careful consideration must be given to any final decision by government. The information necessary to make a sound decision is still being collected. The interim report proposes that no decision to release the land for development be made until this information is available. The Government expects to receive an investigation plan to collect this additional information from a working group comprising state government agencies, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. (3) Yes. (4) See response to (2).
(2) It is important to appreciate that the 2003 interim report on the drinking water source protection plan - DWSPP - consists of essentially two parts - the western portion that includes the land, bores and other infrastructure needed to supply safe drinking water to Kununurra now and for the immediate future; and the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra. The conflict is primarily about the eastern portion - should it be protected until sufficient information is available to the Government to approve an alternative future source - at a reasonable cost and of an acceptable water quality - and then released for development; or should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future? It must be appreciated that safe drinking water does not just happen. It has to be planned for well in advance of its need. Yes, there is a conflict between the current planning expectation in Kununurra and the protection of Kununurra’s future drinking water supply. However, given that this is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a planning issue, careful consideration must be given to any final decision by government. The information necessary to make a sound decision is still being collected. The interim report proposes that no decision to release the land for development be made until this information is available. The Government expects to receive an investigation plan to collect this additional information from a working group comprising state government agencies, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. (3) Yes. (4) See response to (2).
the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra.
should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future?
(4) See response to (2).
(2) If so, what action is the minister taking to alleviate these concerns? (3) Is the minister aware that the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley is so concerned that it has written to the Premier outlining its concerns? (4) If yes to (3), has the minister discussed the matter with the Premier; and, if so, what action will the minister be taking? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I have received the following response from the Minister for the Environment - (1) Yes. (2) It is important to appreciate that the 2003 interim report on the drinking water source protection plan - DWSPP - consists of essentially two parts - the western portion that includes the land, bores and other infrastructure needed to supply safe drinking water to Kununurra now and for the immediate future; and the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra. The conflict is primarily about the eastern portion - should it be protected until sufficient information is available to the Government to approve an alternative future source - at a reasonable cost and of an acceptable water quality - and then released for development; or should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future? It must be appreciated that safe drinking water does not just happen. It has to be planned for well in advance of its need. Yes, there is a conflict between the current planning expectation in Kununurra and the protection of Kununurra’s future drinking water supply. However, given that this is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a planning issue, careful consideration must be given to any final decision by government. The information necessary to make a sound decision is still being collected. The interim report proposes that no decision to release the land for development be made until this information is available. The Government expects to receive an investigation plan to collect this additional information from a working group comprising state government agencies, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. (3) Yes. (4) See response to (2).
(3) Is the minister aware that the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley is so concerned that it has written to the Premier outlining its concerns? (4) If yes to (3), has the minister discussed the matter with the Premier; and, if so, what action will the minister be taking? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I have received the following response from the Minister for the Environment - (1) Yes. (2) It is important to appreciate that the 2003 interim report on the drinking water source protection plan - DWSPP - consists of essentially two parts - the western portion that includes the land, bores and other infrastructure needed to supply safe drinking water to Kununurra now and for the immediate future; and the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra. The conflict is primarily about the eastern portion - should it be protected until sufficient information is available to the Government to approve an alternative future source - at a reasonable cost and of an acceptable water quality - and then released for development; or should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future? It must be appreciated that safe drinking water does not just happen. It has to be planned for well in advance of its need. Yes, there is a conflict between the current planning expectation in Kununurra and the protection of Kununurra’s future drinking water supply. However, given that this is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a planning issue, careful consideration must be given to any final decision by government. The information necessary to make a sound decision is still being collected. The interim report proposes that no decision to release the land for development be made until this information is available. The Government expects to receive an investigation plan to collect this additional information from a working group comprising state government agencies, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. (3) Yes. (4) See response to (2).
(4) If yes to (3), has the minister discussed the matter with the Premier; and, if so, what action will the minister be taking? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I have received the following response from the Minister for the Environment - (1) Yes. (2) It is important to appreciate that the 2003 interim report on the drinking water source protection plan - DWSPP - consists of essentially two parts - the western portion that includes the land, bores and other infrastructure needed to supply safe drinking water to Kununurra now and for the immediate future; and the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra. The conflict is primarily about the eastern portion - should it be protected until sufficient information is available to the Government to approve an alternative future source - at a reasonable cost and of an acceptable water quality - and then released for development; or should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future? It must be appreciated that safe drinking water does not just happen. It has to be planned for well in advance of its need. Yes, there is a conflict between the current planning expectation in Kununurra and the protection of Kununurra’s future drinking water supply. However, given that this is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a planning issue, careful consideration must be given to any final decision by government. The information necessary to make a sound decision is still being collected. The interim report proposes that no decision to release the land for development be made until this information is available. The Government expects to receive an investigation plan to collect this additional information from a working group comprising state government agencies, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. (3) Yes. (4) See response to (2).
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I have received the following response from the Minister for the Environment - (1) Yes. (2) It is important to appreciate that the 2003 interim report on the drinking water source protection plan - DWSPP - consists of essentially two parts - the western portion that includes the land, bores and other infrastructure needed to supply safe drinking water to Kununurra now and for the immediate future; and the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra. The conflict is primarily about the eastern portion - should it be protected until sufficient information is available to the Government to approve an alternative future source - at a reasonable cost and of an acceptable water quality - and then released for development; or should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future? It must be appreciated that safe drinking water does not just happen. It has to be planned for well in advance of its need. Yes, there is a conflict between the current planning expectation in Kununurra and the protection of Kununurra’s future drinking water supply. However, given that this is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a planning issue, careful consideration must be given to any final decision by government. The information necessary to make a sound decision is still being collected. The interim report proposes that no decision to release the land for development be made until this information is available. The Government expects to receive an investigation plan to collect this additional information from a working group comprising state government agencies, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. (3) Yes. (4) See response to (2).
I have received the following response from the Minister for the Environment - (1) Yes. (2) It is important to appreciate that the 2003 interim report on the drinking water source protection plan - DWSPP - consists of essentially two parts - the western portion that includes the land, bores and other infrastructure needed to supply safe drinking water to Kununurra now and for the immediate future; and the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra. The conflict is primarily about the eastern portion - should it be protected until sufficient information is available to the Government to approve an alternative future source - at a reasonable cost and of an acceptable water quality - and then released for development; or should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future? It must be appreciated that safe drinking water does not just happen. It has to be planned for well in advance of its need. Yes, there is a conflict between the current planning expectation in Kununurra and the protection of Kununurra’s future drinking water supply. However, given that this is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a planning issue, careful consideration must be given to any final decision by government. The information necessary to make a sound decision is still being collected. The interim report proposes that no decision to release the land for development be made until this information is available. The Government expects to receive an investigation plan to collect this additional information from a working group comprising state government agencies, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. (3) Yes. (4) See response to (2).
(1) Yes. (2) It is important to appreciate that the 2003 interim report on the drinking water source protection plan - DWSPP - consists of essentially two parts - the western portion that includes the land, bores and other infrastructure needed to supply safe drinking water to Kununurra now and for the immediate future; and the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra. The conflict is primarily about the eastern portion - should it be protected until sufficient information is available to the Government to approve an alternative future source - at a reasonable cost and of an acceptable water quality - and then released for development; or should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future? It must be appreciated that safe drinking water does not just happen. It has to be planned for well in advance of its need. Yes, there is a conflict between the current planning expectation in Kununurra and the protection of Kununurra’s future drinking water supply. However, given that this is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a planning issue, careful consideration must be given to any final decision by government. The information necessary to make a sound decision is still being collected. The interim report proposes that no decision to release the land for development be made until this information is available. The Government expects to receive an investigation plan to collect this additional information from a working group comprising state government agencies, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. (3) Yes. (4) See response to (2).
(2) It is important to appreciate that the 2003 interim report on the drinking water source protection plan - DWSPP - consists of essentially two parts - the western portion that includes the land, bores and other infrastructure needed to supply safe drinking water to Kununurra now and for the immediate future; and the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra. The conflict is primarily about the eastern portion - should it be protected until sufficient information is available to the Government to approve an alternative future source - at a reasonable cost and of an acceptable water quality - and then released for development; or should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future? It must be appreciated that safe drinking water does not just happen. It has to be planned for well in advance of its need. Yes, there is a conflict between the current planning expectation in Kununurra and the protection of Kununurra’s future drinking water supply. However, given that this is a public health issue, a water quality issue and a planning issue, careful consideration must be given to any final decision by government. The information necessary to make a sound decision is still being collected. The interim report proposes that no decision to release the land for development be made until this information is available. The Government expects to receive an investigation plan to collect this additional information from a working group comprising state government agencies, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. (3) Yes. (4) See response to (2).
the eastern portion that is being protected for the future supply of safe drinking water to Kununurra.
should it be developed now in the hope that an acceptable alternative source will be located and approved by the Government some time in the future?
(4) See response to (2).
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