❓ A parliamentary question addresses the licensing of surface water extraction from Hough Brook for a vineyard, focusing on the environmental impact and alternative solutions. The Minister's response defends the decision based on sustainability and environmental assessment.
AnsweredQoN 1453Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
HOUGH BROOK, EXTRACTION OF SURFACE WATER 1453. Hon DEE MARGETTS to the minister representing the Minister for the Environment and Heritage: I refer to the application for a licence to take surface water from Hough Brook in the Ferguson Valley, which is currently being considered by the Water and Rivers Commission under section 5 of the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914. (1) Is the Water and Rivers Commission considering imposing a licence condition that would allow water to be released from a presently unlicensed dam using the tributary of Hough Brook and Hough Brook as an irrigation conduit, and allowing the water to be pumped out of Hough Brook further downstream to provide water for a commercial vineyard? (2) Have alternatives other than using Hough Brook as an irrigation conduit or transfer drain been considered; and, if so, what are they? (3) Is the Water and Rivers Commission aware that previous activities of the applicant for the licence in drawing water from Hough Brook in summer have stopped the flow? (4) Does the minister consider that these activities are contradictory to the desired outcomes of the Water and Rivers Commission to protect and enhance the quality of Western Australia’s surface and ground water systems? Hon TOM STEPHENS
AnswerView source ↗
(1) Yes. The licence will be conditional on flows released from the dam and water pumped from the brook being metered. The annual water use will be for only 9 000 kilolitres, which equates to approximately one per cent of the sustainable volume allowed to be taken from the brook. (2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
HOUGH BROOK, EXTRACTION OF SURFACE WATER
I refer to the application for a licence to take surface water from Hough Brook in the Ferguson Valley, which is currently being considered by the Water and Rivers Commission under section 5 of the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914. (1) Is the Water and Rivers Commission considering imposing a licence condition that would allow water to be released from a presently unlicensed dam using the tributary of Hough Brook and Hough Brook as an irrigation conduit, and allowing the water to be pumped out of Hough Brook further downstream to provide water for a commercial vineyard? (2) Have alternatives other than using Hough Brook as an irrigation conduit or transfer drain been considered; and, if so, what are they? (3) Is the Water and Rivers Commission aware that previous activities of the applicant for the licence in drawing water from Hough Brook in summer have stopped the flow? (4) Does the minister consider that these activities are contradictory to the desired outcomes of the Water and Rivers Commission to protect and enhance the quality of Western Australia’s surface and ground water systems? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) Yes. The licence will be conditional on flows released from the dam and water pumped from the brook being metered. The annual water use will be for only 9 000 kilolitres, which equates to approximately one per cent of the sustainable volume allowed to be taken from the brook. (2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(1) Is the Water and Rivers Commission considering imposing a licence condition that would allow water to be released from a presently unlicensed dam using the tributary of Hough Brook and Hough Brook as an irrigation conduit, and allowing the water to be pumped out of Hough Brook further downstream to provide water for a commercial vineyard? (2) Have alternatives other than using Hough Brook as an irrigation conduit or transfer drain been considered; and, if so, what are they? (3) Is the Water and Rivers Commission aware that previous activities of the applicant for the licence in drawing water from Hough Brook in summer have stopped the flow? (4) Does the minister consider that these activities are contradictory to the desired outcomes of the Water and Rivers Commission to protect and enhance the quality of Western Australia’s surface and ground water systems? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) Yes. The licence will be conditional on flows released from the dam and water pumped from the brook being metered. The annual water use will be for only 9 000 kilolitres, which equates to approximately one per cent of the sustainable volume allowed to be taken from the brook. (2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(2) Have alternatives other than using Hough Brook as an irrigation conduit or transfer drain been considered; and, if so, what are they? (3) Is the Water and Rivers Commission aware that previous activities of the applicant for the licence in drawing water from Hough Brook in summer have stopped the flow? (4) Does the minister consider that these activities are contradictory to the desired outcomes of the Water and Rivers Commission to protect and enhance the quality of Western Australia’s surface and ground water systems? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) Yes. The licence will be conditional on flows released from the dam and water pumped from the brook being metered. The annual water use will be for only 9 000 kilolitres, which equates to approximately one per cent of the sustainable volume allowed to be taken from the brook. (2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(3) Is the Water and Rivers Commission aware that previous activities of the applicant for the licence in drawing water from Hough Brook in summer have stopped the flow? (4) Does the minister consider that these activities are contradictory to the desired outcomes of the Water and Rivers Commission to protect and enhance the quality of Western Australia’s surface and ground water systems? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) Yes. The licence will be conditional on flows released from the dam and water pumped from the brook being metered. The annual water use will be for only 9 000 kilolitres, which equates to approximately one per cent of the sustainable volume allowed to be taken from the brook. (2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(4) Does the minister consider that these activities are contradictory to the desired outcomes of the Water and Rivers Commission to protect and enhance the quality of Western Australia’s surface and ground water systems? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) Yes. The licence will be conditional on flows released from the dam and water pumped from the brook being metered. The annual water use will be for only 9 000 kilolitres, which equates to approximately one per cent of the sustainable volume allowed to be taken from the brook. (2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) Yes. The licence will be conditional on flows released from the dam and water pumped from the brook being metered. The annual water use will be for only 9 000 kilolitres, which equates to approximately one per cent of the sustainable volume allowed to be taken from the brook. (2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(1) Yes. The licence will be conditional on flows released from the dam and water pumped from the brook being metered. The annual water use will be for only 9 000 kilolitres, which equates to approximately one per cent of the sustainable volume allowed to be taken from the brook. (2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
HOUGH BROOK, EXTRACTION OF SURFACE WATER
I refer to the application for a licence to take surface water from Hough Brook in the Ferguson Valley, which is currently being considered by the Water and Rivers Commission under section 5 of the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914. (1) Is the Water and Rivers Commission considering imposing a licence condition that would allow water to be released from a presently unlicensed dam using the tributary of Hough Brook and Hough Brook as an irrigation conduit, and allowing the water to be pumped out of Hough Brook further downstream to provide water for a commercial vineyard? (2) Have alternatives other than using Hough Brook as an irrigation conduit or transfer drain been considered; and, if so, what are they? (3) Is the Water and Rivers Commission aware that previous activities of the applicant for the licence in drawing water from Hough Brook in summer have stopped the flow? (4) Does the minister consider that these activities are contradictory to the desired outcomes of the Water and Rivers Commission to protect and enhance the quality of Western Australia’s surface and ground water systems? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) Yes. The licence will be conditional on flows released from the dam and water pumped from the brook being metered. The annual water use will be for only 9 000 kilolitres, which equates to approximately one per cent of the sustainable volume allowed to be taken from the brook. (2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(1) Is the Water and Rivers Commission considering imposing a licence condition that would allow water to be released from a presently unlicensed dam using the tributary of Hough Brook and Hough Brook as an irrigation conduit, and allowing the water to be pumped out of Hough Brook further downstream to provide water for a commercial vineyard? (2) Have alternatives other than using Hough Brook as an irrigation conduit or transfer drain been considered; and, if so, what are they? (3) Is the Water and Rivers Commission aware that previous activities of the applicant for the licence in drawing water from Hough Brook in summer have stopped the flow? (4) Does the minister consider that these activities are contradictory to the desired outcomes of the Water and Rivers Commission to protect and enhance the quality of Western Australia’s surface and ground water systems? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) Yes. The licence will be conditional on flows released from the dam and water pumped from the brook being metered. The annual water use will be for only 9 000 kilolitres, which equates to approximately one per cent of the sustainable volume allowed to be taken from the brook. (2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(2) Have alternatives other than using Hough Brook as an irrigation conduit or transfer drain been considered; and, if so, what are they? (3) Is the Water and Rivers Commission aware that previous activities of the applicant for the licence in drawing water from Hough Brook in summer have stopped the flow? (4) Does the minister consider that these activities are contradictory to the desired outcomes of the Water and Rivers Commission to protect and enhance the quality of Western Australia’s surface and ground water systems? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) Yes. The licence will be conditional on flows released from the dam and water pumped from the brook being metered. The annual water use will be for only 9 000 kilolitres, which equates to approximately one per cent of the sustainable volume allowed to be taken from the brook. (2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(3) Is the Water and Rivers Commission aware that previous activities of the applicant for the licence in drawing water from Hough Brook in summer have stopped the flow? (4) Does the minister consider that these activities are contradictory to the desired outcomes of the Water and Rivers Commission to protect and enhance the quality of Western Australia’s surface and ground water systems? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) Yes. The licence will be conditional on flows released from the dam and water pumped from the brook being metered. The annual water use will be for only 9 000 kilolitres, which equates to approximately one per cent of the sustainable volume allowed to be taken from the brook. (2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(4) Does the minister consider that these activities are contradictory to the desired outcomes of the Water and Rivers Commission to protect and enhance the quality of Western Australia’s surface and ground water systems? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) Yes. The licence will be conditional on flows released from the dam and water pumped from the brook being metered. The annual water use will be for only 9 000 kilolitres, which equates to approximately one per cent of the sustainable volume allowed to be taken from the brook. (2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) Yes. The licence will be conditional on flows released from the dam and water pumped from the brook being metered. The annual water use will be for only 9 000 kilolitres, which equates to approximately one per cent of the sustainable volume allowed to be taken from the brook. (2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(1) Yes. The licence will be conditional on flows released from the dam and water pumped from the brook being metered. The annual water use will be for only 9 000 kilolitres, which equates to approximately one per cent of the sustainable volume allowed to be taken from the brook. (2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(2) Yes. The commission evaluated the option of a pipeline, but on the balance of environmental, social and economic considerations, maintaining water within the natural watercourse was the preferred option. (3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(3) Previous instances of taking water from summer flows in Hough Brook may have reduced flows. The commission negotiated with the land-holder for this practice to cease. Subsequently, any continued pumping from the brook would occur from augmented flows. (4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
(4) No. Environmental assessment determined the augmented flows and pumping from the brook to be within sustainable practices. A comparison was made with the benefits of augmented flows within the Preston River. The commission believes that this is the best outcome for managing our natural resources in a way that balances sustainable use, protects the environment and meets community needs.
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