❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses the perceived slow response to the Fitzroy River Bridge collapse following Kimberley floods, specifically regarding transport links and Aboriginal heritage clearances. The Minister's response defends the government's actions and cites water levels and ongoing consultations with traditional owners as factors influencing the timeline.
AnsweredQoN 50Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
KIMBERLEY FLOODS — TRANSPORT LINKS
50. Hon
NEIL THOMSON to the Leader of the House representing the Minister for
Transport:
As
of 14 February, it has been 43 days since the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Bridge
collapsed. I note that only one small bulldozer—D6 or D7—is
operating on the ramp down to the river, and it has been reported that the lack
of Aboriginal heritage clearances is impacting on work.
(1) Why has the minister not deployed more civil
construction resources to support alternative transport solutions?
(2) Why did the minister not start
the process of heritage clearances earlier?
(3) When will all clearances be
completed?
50. Hon
NEIL THOMSON to the Leader of the House representing the Minister for
Transport:
As
of 14 February, it has been 43 days since the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Bridge
collapsed. I note that only one small bulldozer—D6 or D7—is
operating on the ramp down to the river, and it has been reported that the lack
of Aboriginal heritage clearances is impacting on work.
(1) Why has the minister not deployed more civil
construction resources to support alternative transport solutions?
(2) Why did the minister not start
the process of heritage clearances earlier?
(3) When will all clearances be
completed?
AnswerView source ↗
I
think that if the honourable member thinks that because he says it has been 43
days, that somehow he is trying to make a point that the government is
dragging its feet or not acting quickly enough—I think that is what he
is trying to do—which is an extraordinary proposition, if that is what
he is trying to do.
Several members interjected.
The PRESIDENT : Order!
Hon SUE ELLERY : Thanks,
President.
(1) The water
level in the river had to fall sufficiently before construction of the ramps
down to the landing sites could be constructed.
(2)–(3) Main
Roads Western Australia has been engaging with the traditional owners since
early in the flood emergency, and continues to consult with them on the
proposed barge landing site on the western bank. Once all cultural approvals
have been received, Main Roads construction crews will mobilise and build the
ramp and landing on the western bank.
You're a genius, mate; you're
a genius!
Several members interjected.
The PRESIDENT : Order! Member,
just give us a minute while the chamber settles.
think that if the honourable member thinks that because he says it has been 43
days, that somehow he is trying to make a point that the government is
dragging its feet or not acting quickly enough—I think that is what he
is trying to do—which is an extraordinary proposition, if that is what
he is trying to do.
Several members interjected.
The PRESIDENT : Order!
Hon SUE ELLERY : Thanks,
President.
(1) The water
level in the river had to fall sufficiently before construction of the ramps
down to the landing sites could be constructed.
(2)–(3) Main
Roads Western Australia has been engaging with the traditional owners since
early in the flood emergency, and continues to consult with them on the
proposed barge landing site on the western bank. Once all cultural approvals
have been received, Main Roads construction crews will mobilise and build the
ramp and landing on the western bank.
You're a genius, mate; you're
a genius!
Several members interjected.
The PRESIDENT : Order! Member,
just give us a minute while the chamber settles.
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