❓ MP Redman questions the Minister about water supply issues in the Great Southern, particularly around Walpole, Denmark and Cranbrook. The Minister acknowledges the issue, outlines current emergency measures, and emphasizes cost-effectiveness in long-term solutions.
AnsweredQoN 26Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
WATER SUPPLY NEEDS — GREAT SOUTHERN 26. Mr D.T. REDMAN to the Minister for Water Resources: The minister is probably aware that currently water is being carted into three communities in the great southern—Walpole, Denmark and Cranbrook—to meet community water supply needs, with Denmark being the only town in Western Australia to be on level 5 water restrictions, and I ask — (1) Does the minister concede that the Water Corporation’s medium to long-term planning has not delivered to these communities? (2) Will he consider a regional solution such as a desalination plant in Albany to meet the growing water needs of Albany and surrounding communities? (3) Will he undertake to discuss this with local communities when cabinet meets in Albany next week? Mr J.C. KOBELKE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for his question. (1)-(3) Taking the last question first: clearly, I discuss these sorts of matters with people in some of those localities and, as the member knows, I will be in Albany next week and will be happy to talk to people. The Water Corporation is delivering for these people in that it has put in place emergency arrangements. It is trucking water at considerable cost. It is looking at other potential local sources for desalination as a temporary arrangement. They operate in a range of smaller locations throughout Western Australia. People need to understand that we must make sure that when we engineer these projects we do it in a cost-effective way. We simply cannot establish projects that are way above the need. The area on the south coast generally has reliable rainfall; it is only in the past few years that there has been substantially less than the average rainfall, which has caused this problem. In an area that usually has an average rainfall, we should not seek to over-engineer and put in big plants or lengthy pipelines that are very expensive. If we do that, the cost of water will increase. The contribution currently made to keep down the price of water and waste water to people throughout regional Western Australia is $250 million a year, year after year. That is done so that in country areas, where the costs are much higher, people do not have to bear that full cost. We are very conscious when planning that we make sure water and services are delivered. To my knowledge, there has been no failure. Although restrictions are in place, that situation arose in Northampton for two years. After studying that situation, the judgement was made that the Rock aquifer, the main source of water there, was not likely to be recharged in the near future. Consequently, a major pipeline has just been completed to cart water to Northampton. We should be ensuring that, in the south west, we do not spend huge amounts of money. If we get good rainfall over the next few years, the existing infrastructure will work. It is a matter of ongoing investigation. Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
WATER SUPPLY NEEDS — GREAT SOUTHERN
The minister is probably aware that currently water is being carted into three communities in the great southern—Walpole, Denmark and Cranbrook—to meet community water supply needs, with Denmark being the only town in Western Australia to be on level 5 water restrictions, and I ask — (1) Does the minister concede that the Water Corporation’s medium to long-term planning has not delivered to these communities? (2) Will he consider a regional solution such as a desalination plant in Albany to meet the growing water needs of Albany and surrounding communities? (3) Will he undertake to discuss this with local communities when cabinet meets in Albany next week? Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(3) Taking the last question first: clearly, I discuss these sorts of matters with people in some of those localities and, as the member knows, I will be in Albany next week and will be happy to talk to people. The Water Corporation is delivering for these people in that it has put in place emergency arrangements. It is trucking water at considerable cost. It is looking at other potential local sources for desalination as a temporary arrangement. They operate in a range of smaller locations throughout Western Australia. People need to understand that we must make sure that when we engineer these projects we do it in a cost-effective way. We simply cannot establish projects that are way above the need. The area on the south coast generally has reliable rainfall; it is only in the past few years that there has been substantially less than the average rainfall, which has caused this problem. In an area that usually has an average rainfall, we should not seek to over-engineer and put in big plants or lengthy pipelines that are very expensive. If we do that, the cost of water will increase. The contribution currently made to keep down the price of water and waste water to people throughout regional Western Australia is $250 million a year, year after year. That is done so that in country areas, where the costs are much higher, people do not have to bear that full cost. We are very conscious when planning that we make sure water and services are delivered. To my knowledge, there has been no failure. Although restrictions are in place, that situation arose in Northampton for two years. After studying that situation, the judgement was made that the Rock aquifer, the main source of water there, was not likely to be recharged in the near future. Consequently, a major pipeline has just been completed to cart water to Northampton. We should be ensuring that, in the south west, we do not spend huge amounts of money. If we get good rainfall over the next few years, the existing infrastructure will work. It is a matter of ongoing investigation. Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
(1) Does the minister concede that the Water Corporation’s medium to long-term planning has not delivered to these communities? (2) Will he consider a regional solution such as a desalination plant in Albany to meet the growing water needs of Albany and surrounding communities? (3) Will he undertake to discuss this with local communities when cabinet meets in Albany next week? Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(3) Taking the last question first: clearly, I discuss these sorts of matters with people in some of those localities and, as the member knows, I will be in Albany next week and will be happy to talk to people. The Water Corporation is delivering for these people in that it has put in place emergency arrangements. It is trucking water at considerable cost. It is looking at other potential local sources for desalination as a temporary arrangement. They operate in a range of smaller locations throughout Western Australia. People need to understand that we must make sure that when we engineer these projects we do it in a cost-effective way. We simply cannot establish projects that are way above the need. The area on the south coast generally has reliable rainfall; it is only in the past few years that there has been substantially less than the average rainfall, which has caused this problem. In an area that usually has an average rainfall, we should not seek to over-engineer and put in big plants or lengthy pipelines that are very expensive. If we do that, the cost of water will increase. The contribution currently made to keep down the price of water and waste water to people throughout regional Western Australia is $250 million a year, year after year. That is done so that in country areas, where the costs are much higher, people do not have to bear that full cost. We are very conscious when planning that we make sure water and services are delivered. To my knowledge, there has been no failure. Although restrictions are in place, that situation arose in Northampton for two years. After studying that situation, the judgement was made that the Rock aquifer, the main source of water there, was not likely to be recharged in the near future. Consequently, a major pipeline has just been completed to cart water to Northampton. We should be ensuring that, in the south west, we do not spend huge amounts of money. If we get good rainfall over the next few years, the existing infrastructure will work. It is a matter of ongoing investigation. Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
(2) Will he consider a regional solution such as a desalination plant in Albany to meet the growing water needs of Albany and surrounding communities? (3) Will he undertake to discuss this with local communities when cabinet meets in Albany next week? Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(3) Taking the last question first: clearly, I discuss these sorts of matters with people in some of those localities and, as the member knows, I will be in Albany next week and will be happy to talk to people. The Water Corporation is delivering for these people in that it has put in place emergency arrangements. It is trucking water at considerable cost. It is looking at other potential local sources for desalination as a temporary arrangement. They operate in a range of smaller locations throughout Western Australia. People need to understand that we must make sure that when we engineer these projects we do it in a cost-effective way. We simply cannot establish projects that are way above the need. The area on the south coast generally has reliable rainfall; it is only in the past few years that there has been substantially less than the average rainfall, which has caused this problem. In an area that usually has an average rainfall, we should not seek to over-engineer and put in big plants or lengthy pipelines that are very expensive. If we do that, the cost of water will increase. The contribution currently made to keep down the price of water and waste water to people throughout regional Western Australia is $250 million a year, year after year. That is done so that in country areas, where the costs are much higher, people do not have to bear that full cost. We are very conscious when planning that we make sure water and services are delivered. To my knowledge, there has been no failure. Although restrictions are in place, that situation arose in Northampton for two years. After studying that situation, the judgement was made that the Rock aquifer, the main source of water there, was not likely to be recharged in the near future. Consequently, a major pipeline has just been completed to cart water to Northampton. We should be ensuring that, in the south west, we do not spend huge amounts of money. If we get good rainfall over the next few years, the existing infrastructure will work. It is a matter of ongoing investigation. Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
(3) Will he undertake to discuss this with local communities when cabinet meets in Albany next week? Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(3) Taking the last question first: clearly, I discuss these sorts of matters with people in some of those localities and, as the member knows, I will be in Albany next week and will be happy to talk to people. The Water Corporation is delivering for these people in that it has put in place emergency arrangements. It is trucking water at considerable cost. It is looking at other potential local sources for desalination as a temporary arrangement. They operate in a range of smaller locations throughout Western Australia. People need to understand that we must make sure that when we engineer these projects we do it in a cost-effective way. We simply cannot establish projects that are way above the need. The area on the south coast generally has reliable rainfall; it is only in the past few years that there has been substantially less than the average rainfall, which has caused this problem. In an area that usually has an average rainfall, we should not seek to over-engineer and put in big plants or lengthy pipelines that are very expensive. If we do that, the cost of water will increase. The contribution currently made to keep down the price of water and waste water to people throughout regional Western Australia is $250 million a year, year after year. That is done so that in country areas, where the costs are much higher, people do not have to bear that full cost. We are very conscious when planning that we make sure water and services are delivered. To my knowledge, there has been no failure. Although restrictions are in place, that situation arose in Northampton for two years. After studying that situation, the judgement was made that the Rock aquifer, the main source of water there, was not likely to be recharged in the near future. Consequently, a major pipeline has just been completed to cart water to Northampton. We should be ensuring that, in the south west, we do not spend huge amounts of money. If we get good rainfall over the next few years, the existing infrastructure will work. It is a matter of ongoing investigation. Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(3) Taking the last question first: clearly, I discuss these sorts of matters with people in some of those localities and, as the member knows, I will be in Albany next week and will be happy to talk to people. The Water Corporation is delivering for these people in that it has put in place emergency arrangements. It is trucking water at considerable cost. It is looking at other potential local sources for desalination as a temporary arrangement. They operate in a range of smaller locations throughout Western Australia. People need to understand that we must make sure that when we engineer these projects we do it in a cost-effective way. We simply cannot establish projects that are way above the need. The area on the south coast generally has reliable rainfall; it is only in the past few years that there has been substantially less than the average rainfall, which has caused this problem. In an area that usually has an average rainfall, we should not seek to over-engineer and put in big plants or lengthy pipelines that are very expensive. If we do that, the cost of water will increase. The contribution currently made to keep down the price of water and waste water to people throughout regional Western Australia is $250 million a year, year after year. That is done so that in country areas, where the costs are much higher, people do not have to bear that full cost. We are very conscious when planning that we make sure water and services are delivered. To my knowledge, there has been no failure. Although restrictions are in place, that situation arose in Northampton for two years. After studying that situation, the judgement was made that the Rock aquifer, the main source of water there, was not likely to be recharged in the near future. Consequently, a major pipeline has just been completed to cart water to Northampton. We should be ensuring that, in the south west, we do not spend huge amounts of money. If we get good rainfall over the next few years, the existing infrastructure will work. It is a matter of ongoing investigation. Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
I thank the member for his question. (1)-(3) Taking the last question first: clearly, I discuss these sorts of matters with people in some of those localities and, as the member knows, I will be in Albany next week and will be happy to talk to people. The Water Corporation is delivering for these people in that it has put in place emergency arrangements. It is trucking water at considerable cost. It is looking at other potential local sources for desalination as a temporary arrangement. They operate in a range of smaller locations throughout Western Australia. People need to understand that we must make sure that when we engineer these projects we do it in a cost-effective way. We simply cannot establish projects that are way above the need. The area on the south coast generally has reliable rainfall; it is only in the past few years that there has been substantially less than the average rainfall, which has caused this problem. In an area that usually has an average rainfall, we should not seek to over-engineer and put in big plants or lengthy pipelines that are very expensive. If we do that, the cost of water will increase. The contribution currently made to keep down the price of water and waste water to people throughout regional Western Australia is $250 million a year, year after year. That is done so that in country areas, where the costs are much higher, people do not have to bear that full cost. We are very conscious when planning that we make sure water and services are delivered. To my knowledge, there has been no failure. Although restrictions are in place, that situation arose in Northampton for two years. After studying that situation, the judgement was made that the Rock aquifer, the main source of water there, was not likely to be recharged in the near future. Consequently, a major pipeline has just been completed to cart water to Northampton. We should be ensuring that, in the south west, we do not spend huge amounts of money. If we get good rainfall over the next few years, the existing infrastructure will work. It is a matter of ongoing investigation. Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
(1)-(3) Taking the last question first: clearly, I discuss these sorts of matters with people in some of those localities and, as the member knows, I will be in Albany next week and will be happy to talk to people. The Water Corporation is delivering for these people in that it has put in place emergency arrangements. It is trucking water at considerable cost. It is looking at other potential local sources for desalination as a temporary arrangement. They operate in a range of smaller locations throughout Western Australia. People need to understand that we must make sure that when we engineer these projects we do it in a cost-effective way. We simply cannot establish projects that are way above the need. The area on the south coast generally has reliable rainfall; it is only in the past few years that there has been substantially less than the average rainfall, which has caused this problem. In an area that usually has an average rainfall, we should not seek to over-engineer and put in big plants or lengthy pipelines that are very expensive. If we do that, the cost of water will increase. The contribution currently made to keep down the price of water and waste water to people throughout regional Western Australia is $250 million a year, year after year. That is done so that in country areas, where the costs are much higher, people do not have to bear that full cost. We are very conscious when planning that we make sure water and services are delivered. To my knowledge, there has been no failure. Although restrictions are in place, that situation arose in Northampton for two years. After studying that situation, the judgement was made that the Rock aquifer, the main source of water there, was not likely to be recharged in the near future. Consequently, a major pipeline has just been completed to cart water to Northampton. We should be ensuring that, in the south west, we do not spend huge amounts of money. If we get good rainfall over the next few years, the existing infrastructure will work. It is a matter of ongoing investigation. Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
WATER SUPPLY NEEDS — GREAT SOUTHERN
The minister is probably aware that currently water is being carted into three communities in the great southern—Walpole, Denmark and Cranbrook—to meet community water supply needs, with Denmark being the only town in Western Australia to be on level 5 water restrictions, and I ask — (1) Does the minister concede that the Water Corporation’s medium to long-term planning has not delivered to these communities? (2) Will he consider a regional solution such as a desalination plant in Albany to meet the growing water needs of Albany and surrounding communities? (3) Will he undertake to discuss this with local communities when cabinet meets in Albany next week? Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(3) Taking the last question first: clearly, I discuss these sorts of matters with people in some of those localities and, as the member knows, I will be in Albany next week and will be happy to talk to people. The Water Corporation is delivering for these people in that it has put in place emergency arrangements. It is trucking water at considerable cost. It is looking at other potential local sources for desalination as a temporary arrangement. They operate in a range of smaller locations throughout Western Australia. People need to understand that we must make sure that when we engineer these projects we do it in a cost-effective way. We simply cannot establish projects that are way above the need. The area on the south coast generally has reliable rainfall; it is only in the past few years that there has been substantially less than the average rainfall, which has caused this problem. In an area that usually has an average rainfall, we should not seek to over-engineer and put in big plants or lengthy pipelines that are very expensive. If we do that, the cost of water will increase. The contribution currently made to keep down the price of water and waste water to people throughout regional Western Australia is $250 million a year, year after year. That is done so that in country areas, where the costs are much higher, people do not have to bear that full cost. We are very conscious when planning that we make sure water and services are delivered. To my knowledge, there has been no failure. Although restrictions are in place, that situation arose in Northampton for two years. After studying that situation, the judgement was made that the Rock aquifer, the main source of water there, was not likely to be recharged in the near future. Consequently, a major pipeline has just been completed to cart water to Northampton. We should be ensuring that, in the south west, we do not spend huge amounts of money. If we get good rainfall over the next few years, the existing infrastructure will work. It is a matter of ongoing investigation. Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
(1) Does the minister concede that the Water Corporation’s medium to long-term planning has not delivered to these communities? (2) Will he consider a regional solution such as a desalination plant in Albany to meet the growing water needs of Albany and surrounding communities? (3) Will he undertake to discuss this with local communities when cabinet meets in Albany next week? Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(3) Taking the last question first: clearly, I discuss these sorts of matters with people in some of those localities and, as the member knows, I will be in Albany next week and will be happy to talk to people. The Water Corporation is delivering for these people in that it has put in place emergency arrangements. It is trucking water at considerable cost. It is looking at other potential local sources for desalination as a temporary arrangement. They operate in a range of smaller locations throughout Western Australia. People need to understand that we must make sure that when we engineer these projects we do it in a cost-effective way. We simply cannot establish projects that are way above the need. The area on the south coast generally has reliable rainfall; it is only in the past few years that there has been substantially less than the average rainfall, which has caused this problem. In an area that usually has an average rainfall, we should not seek to over-engineer and put in big plants or lengthy pipelines that are very expensive. If we do that, the cost of water will increase. The contribution currently made to keep down the price of water and waste water to people throughout regional Western Australia is $250 million a year, year after year. That is done so that in country areas, where the costs are much higher, people do not have to bear that full cost. We are very conscious when planning that we make sure water and services are delivered. To my knowledge, there has been no failure. Although restrictions are in place, that situation arose in Northampton for two years. After studying that situation, the judgement was made that the Rock aquifer, the main source of water there, was not likely to be recharged in the near future. Consequently, a major pipeline has just been completed to cart water to Northampton. We should be ensuring that, in the south west, we do not spend huge amounts of money. If we get good rainfall over the next few years, the existing infrastructure will work. It is a matter of ongoing investigation. Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
(2) Will he consider a regional solution such as a desalination plant in Albany to meet the growing water needs of Albany and surrounding communities? (3) Will he undertake to discuss this with local communities when cabinet meets in Albany next week? Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(3) Taking the last question first: clearly, I discuss these sorts of matters with people in some of those localities and, as the member knows, I will be in Albany next week and will be happy to talk to people. The Water Corporation is delivering for these people in that it has put in place emergency arrangements. It is trucking water at considerable cost. It is looking at other potential local sources for desalination as a temporary arrangement. They operate in a range of smaller locations throughout Western Australia. People need to understand that we must make sure that when we engineer these projects we do it in a cost-effective way. We simply cannot establish projects that are way above the need. The area on the south coast generally has reliable rainfall; it is only in the past few years that there has been substantially less than the average rainfall, which has caused this problem. In an area that usually has an average rainfall, we should not seek to over-engineer and put in big plants or lengthy pipelines that are very expensive. If we do that, the cost of water will increase. The contribution currently made to keep down the price of water and waste water to people throughout regional Western Australia is $250 million a year, year after year. That is done so that in country areas, where the costs are much higher, people do not have to bear that full cost. We are very conscious when planning that we make sure water and services are delivered. To my knowledge, there has been no failure. Although restrictions are in place, that situation arose in Northampton for two years. After studying that situation, the judgement was made that the Rock aquifer, the main source of water there, was not likely to be recharged in the near future. Consequently, a major pipeline has just been completed to cart water to Northampton. We should be ensuring that, in the south west, we do not spend huge amounts of money. If we get good rainfall over the next few years, the existing infrastructure will work. It is a matter of ongoing investigation. Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
(3) Will he undertake to discuss this with local communities when cabinet meets in Albany next week? Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(3) Taking the last question first: clearly, I discuss these sorts of matters with people in some of those localities and, as the member knows, I will be in Albany next week and will be happy to talk to people. The Water Corporation is delivering for these people in that it has put in place emergency arrangements. It is trucking water at considerable cost. It is looking at other potential local sources for desalination as a temporary arrangement. They operate in a range of smaller locations throughout Western Australia. People need to understand that we must make sure that when we engineer these projects we do it in a cost-effective way. We simply cannot establish projects that are way above the need. The area on the south coast generally has reliable rainfall; it is only in the past few years that there has been substantially less than the average rainfall, which has caused this problem. In an area that usually has an average rainfall, we should not seek to over-engineer and put in big plants or lengthy pipelines that are very expensive. If we do that, the cost of water will increase. The contribution currently made to keep down the price of water and waste water to people throughout regional Western Australia is $250 million a year, year after year. That is done so that in country areas, where the costs are much higher, people do not have to bear that full cost. We are very conscious when planning that we make sure water and services are delivered. To my knowledge, there has been no failure. Although restrictions are in place, that situation arose in Northampton for two years. After studying that situation, the judgement was made that the Rock aquifer, the main source of water there, was not likely to be recharged in the near future. Consequently, a major pipeline has just been completed to cart water to Northampton. We should be ensuring that, in the south west, we do not spend huge amounts of money. If we get good rainfall over the next few years, the existing infrastructure will work. It is a matter of ongoing investigation. Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: I thank the member for his question. (1)-(3) Taking the last question first: clearly, I discuss these sorts of matters with people in some of those localities and, as the member knows, I will be in Albany next week and will be happy to talk to people. The Water Corporation is delivering for these people in that it has put in place emergency arrangements. It is trucking water at considerable cost. It is looking at other potential local sources for desalination as a temporary arrangement. They operate in a range of smaller locations throughout Western Australia. People need to understand that we must make sure that when we engineer these projects we do it in a cost-effective way. We simply cannot establish projects that are way above the need. The area on the south coast generally has reliable rainfall; it is only in the past few years that there has been substantially less than the average rainfall, which has caused this problem. In an area that usually has an average rainfall, we should not seek to over-engineer and put in big plants or lengthy pipelines that are very expensive. If we do that, the cost of water will increase. The contribution currently made to keep down the price of water and waste water to people throughout regional Western Australia is $250 million a year, year after year. That is done so that in country areas, where the costs are much higher, people do not have to bear that full cost. We are very conscious when planning that we make sure water and services are delivered. To my knowledge, there has been no failure. Although restrictions are in place, that situation arose in Northampton for two years. After studying that situation, the judgement was made that the Rock aquifer, the main source of water there, was not likely to be recharged in the near future. Consequently, a major pipeline has just been completed to cart water to Northampton. We should be ensuring that, in the south west, we do not spend huge amounts of money. If we get good rainfall over the next few years, the existing infrastructure will work. It is a matter of ongoing investigation. Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
I thank the member for his question. (1)-(3) Taking the last question first: clearly, I discuss these sorts of matters with people in some of those localities and, as the member knows, I will be in Albany next week and will be happy to talk to people. The Water Corporation is delivering for these people in that it has put in place emergency arrangements. It is trucking water at considerable cost. It is looking at other potential local sources for desalination as a temporary arrangement. They operate in a range of smaller locations throughout Western Australia. People need to understand that we must make sure that when we engineer these projects we do it in a cost-effective way. We simply cannot establish projects that are way above the need. The area on the south coast generally has reliable rainfall; it is only in the past few years that there has been substantially less than the average rainfall, which has caused this problem. In an area that usually has an average rainfall, we should not seek to over-engineer and put in big plants or lengthy pipelines that are very expensive. If we do that, the cost of water will increase. The contribution currently made to keep down the price of water and waste water to people throughout regional Western Australia is $250 million a year, year after year. That is done so that in country areas, where the costs are much higher, people do not have to bear that full cost. We are very conscious when planning that we make sure water and services are delivered. To my knowledge, there has been no failure. Although restrictions are in place, that situation arose in Northampton for two years. After studying that situation, the judgement was made that the Rock aquifer, the main source of water there, was not likely to be recharged in the near future. Consequently, a major pipeline has just been completed to cart water to Northampton. We should be ensuring that, in the south west, we do not spend huge amounts of money. If we get good rainfall over the next few years, the existing infrastructure will work. It is a matter of ongoing investigation. Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
(1)-(3) Taking the last question first: clearly, I discuss these sorts of matters with people in some of those localities and, as the member knows, I will be in Albany next week and will be happy to talk to people. The Water Corporation is delivering for these people in that it has put in place emergency arrangements. It is trucking water at considerable cost. It is looking at other potential local sources for desalination as a temporary arrangement. They operate in a range of smaller locations throughout Western Australia. People need to understand that we must make sure that when we engineer these projects we do it in a cost-effective way. We simply cannot establish projects that are way above the need. The area on the south coast generally has reliable rainfall; it is only in the past few years that there has been substantially less than the average rainfall, which has caused this problem. In an area that usually has an average rainfall, we should not seek to over-engineer and put in big plants or lengthy pipelines that are very expensive. If we do that, the cost of water will increase. The contribution currently made to keep down the price of water and waste water to people throughout regional Western Australia is $250 million a year, year after year. That is done so that in country areas, where the costs are much higher, people do not have to bear that full cost. We are very conscious when planning that we make sure water and services are delivered. To my knowledge, there has been no failure. Although restrictions are in place, that situation arose in Northampton for two years. After studying that situation, the judgement was made that the Rock aquifer, the main source of water there, was not likely to be recharged in the near future. Consequently, a major pipeline has just been completed to cart water to Northampton. We should be ensuring that, in the south west, we do not spend huge amounts of money. If we get good rainfall over the next few years, the existing infrastructure will work. It is a matter of ongoing investigation. Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
Mr M.J. Cowper : He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
The SPEAKER : Order! I call the member for Murray to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE : The opposition is more interested in making noise than dealing with these issues. I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
I can assure the member that the government and the Water Corporation are looking at the needs in those areas, as we are in a range of other parts of regional Western Australia, and we will make sure that the people there are looked after.
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