❓ A parliamentary question addresses concerns about dredge spoil dumping near Geraldton port, its environmental impact, and the adequacy of monitoring and approvals. The Minister's response indicates compliance with the environmental management plan and ongoing monitoring efforts.
AnsweredQoN 1143Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the extensive dredge sediment plume associated with attempts to deepen the Geraldton port. (1) Can the minister confirm that hopper barges dumped dredge spoil in an area near Town Beach earlier this year? (2) Given that these locations were not mentioned in the public environmental review or the dredge management plan, what approvals were sought or received for this dumping? (3) Can the minister confirm that the local Department of Environmental Protection officer, Alan Bradley, knew that this dumping was occurring? (4) What monitoring is now taking place of impacts beyond the port of Geraldton, including the near-shore islands and coral-line communities? (5) What surveys of the impacts of the sediment on marine fauna have been commissioned or are taking place? (6) Given the widespread damage to seagrass meadows already reported, can the minister assure the House that there is no intention to issue a pollution licence to legitimise further, possibly irreversible, harm to the Geraldton marine environment? Hon TOM STEPHENS
AnswerView source ↗
(1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(1) Can the minister confirm that hopper barges dumped dredge spoil in an area near Town Beach earlier this year? (2) Given that these locations were not mentioned in the public environmental review or the dredge management plan, what approvals were sought or received for this dumping? (3) Can the minister confirm that the local Department of Environmental Protection officer, Alan Bradley, knew that this dumping was occurring? (4) What monitoring is now taking place of impacts beyond the port of Geraldton, including the near-shore islands and coral-line communities? (5) What surveys of the impacts of the sediment on marine fauna have been commissioned or are taking place? (6) Given the widespread damage to seagrass meadows already reported, can the minister assure the House that there is no intention to issue a pollution licence to legitimise further, possibly irreversible, harm to the Geraldton marine environment? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(2) Given that these locations were not mentioned in the public environmental review or the dredge management plan, what approvals were sought or received for this dumping? (3) Can the minister confirm that the local Department of Environmental Protection officer, Alan Bradley, knew that this dumping was occurring? (4) What monitoring is now taking place of impacts beyond the port of Geraldton, including the near-shore islands and coral-line communities? (5) What surveys of the impacts of the sediment on marine fauna have been commissioned or are taking place? (6) Given the widespread damage to seagrass meadows already reported, can the minister assure the House that there is no intention to issue a pollution licence to legitimise further, possibly irreversible, harm to the Geraldton marine environment? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(3) Can the minister confirm that the local Department of Environmental Protection officer, Alan Bradley, knew that this dumping was occurring? (4) What monitoring is now taking place of impacts beyond the port of Geraldton, including the near-shore islands and coral-line communities? (5) What surveys of the impacts of the sediment on marine fauna have been commissioned or are taking place? (6) Given the widespread damage to seagrass meadows already reported, can the minister assure the House that there is no intention to issue a pollution licence to legitimise further, possibly irreversible, harm to the Geraldton marine environment? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(4) What monitoring is now taking place of impacts beyond the port of Geraldton, including the near-shore islands and coral-line communities? (5) What surveys of the impacts of the sediment on marine fauna have been commissioned or are taking place? (6) Given the widespread damage to seagrass meadows already reported, can the minister assure the House that there is no intention to issue a pollution licence to legitimise further, possibly irreversible, harm to the Geraldton marine environment? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(5) What surveys of the impacts of the sediment on marine fauna have been commissioned or are taking place? (6) Given the widespread damage to seagrass meadows already reported, can the minister assure the House that there is no intention to issue a pollution licence to legitimise further, possibly irreversible, harm to the Geraldton marine environment? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(6) Given the widespread damage to seagrass meadows already reported, can the minister assure the House that there is no intention to issue a pollution licence to legitimise further, possibly irreversible, harm to the Geraldton marine environment? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(1) Can the minister confirm that hopper barges dumped dredge spoil in an area near Town Beach earlier this year? (2) Given that these locations were not mentioned in the public environmental review or the dredge management plan, what approvals were sought or received for this dumping? (3) Can the minister confirm that the local Department of Environmental Protection officer, Alan Bradley, knew that this dumping was occurring? (4) What monitoring is now taking place of impacts beyond the port of Geraldton, including the near-shore islands and coral-line communities? (5) What surveys of the impacts of the sediment on marine fauna have been commissioned or are taking place? (6) Given the widespread damage to seagrass meadows already reported, can the minister assure the House that there is no intention to issue a pollution licence to legitimise further, possibly irreversible, harm to the Geraldton marine environment? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(2) Given that these locations were not mentioned in the public environmental review or the dredge management plan, what approvals were sought or received for this dumping? (3) Can the minister confirm that the local Department of Environmental Protection officer, Alan Bradley, knew that this dumping was occurring? (4) What monitoring is now taking place of impacts beyond the port of Geraldton, including the near-shore islands and coral-line communities? (5) What surveys of the impacts of the sediment on marine fauna have been commissioned or are taking place? (6) Given the widespread damage to seagrass meadows already reported, can the minister assure the House that there is no intention to issue a pollution licence to legitimise further, possibly irreversible, harm to the Geraldton marine environment? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(3) Can the minister confirm that the local Department of Environmental Protection officer, Alan Bradley, knew that this dumping was occurring? (4) What monitoring is now taking place of impacts beyond the port of Geraldton, including the near-shore islands and coral-line communities? (5) What surveys of the impacts of the sediment on marine fauna have been commissioned or are taking place? (6) Given the widespread damage to seagrass meadows already reported, can the minister assure the House that there is no intention to issue a pollution licence to legitimise further, possibly irreversible, harm to the Geraldton marine environment? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(4) What monitoring is now taking place of impacts beyond the port of Geraldton, including the near-shore islands and coral-line communities? (5) What surveys of the impacts of the sediment on marine fauna have been commissioned or are taking place? (6) Given the widespread damage to seagrass meadows already reported, can the minister assure the House that there is no intention to issue a pollution licence to legitimise further, possibly irreversible, harm to the Geraldton marine environment? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(5) What surveys of the impacts of the sediment on marine fauna have been commissioned or are taking place? (6) Given the widespread damage to seagrass meadows already reported, can the minister assure the House that there is no intention to issue a pollution licence to legitimise further, possibly irreversible, harm to the Geraldton marine environment? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(6) Given the widespread damage to seagrass meadows already reported, can the minister assure the House that there is no intention to issue a pollution licence to legitimise further, possibly irreversible, harm to the Geraldton marine environment? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(1) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that some material was used in the area of the approved eastern breakwater construction in line with the environmental management plan. (2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(2) No, as the location was included in the approved EMP and the eastern breakwater has been approved as part of the project. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(3) The Department of Environmental Protection advises that the local DOE officers knew of the activities, and that they were in line with the approved EMP. (4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(4) Monitoring is occurring in Champion Bay. There are no in-shore islands in this area. The monitoring program has been designed for the dominant communities of macro algae and seagrass in the bay. (5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(5) Aerial surveys of cetaceans, boat monitoring and recording of dolphins, and population surveys of sea lions are all taking place throughout the life of the project. (6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
(6) To better protect the marine environment, further actions by the department in relation to the dredging project are currently under consideration, including additional controls and monitoring of the dredging operation.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.