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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 103 asked in the Legislative Council on 21 March 2018 by Hon Diane Evers

Parliament: 40 Session: 1


WATER FOR FOOD PROGRAM — SOUTHERN FORESTS IRRIGATION SCHEME
      103. Hon DIANE EVERS to the Minister for Regional Development:
I refer to the answer to question without notice 11 on the southern forests irrigation scheme, asked on 13 March 2018 to the minister representing the Minister for Water.
      (1) Will the minister table the supporting research showing that the proposed scheme would not disadvantage existing water users; and, if not, why not?
(2) Has the cost–benefit analysis of the scheme been completed?
          (a) If yes, will the minister table the cost–benefit analysis?
          (b) If not, why not?
      (3) Has the minister referred the scheme to the Environmental Protection Authority for an environmental impact assessment?
          (a) If the scheme has been referred to the EPA, what level of assessment will be conducted?
          (b) If not, why not?
Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the member for the question.
      (1) No. The research took the form of a hydrological assessment of the proposal providing an indication on volume reliability of supply and it takes into account the needs of downstream users and environment. The assessment forms part of the project business case that is being assessed by the commonwealth government. It is understood that some of the information will be provided to the commonwealth cabinet prior to the decision being made. Therefore, tabling the business case at this time may be contrary to the operation of that jurisdiction's cabinet process. Once a decision is made, and depending on that decision, the tabling of the business case will be reviewed. I can give the member the commitment that once we have a final answer from the commonwealth, I am happy to share that information, too.
      (2) Yes. The cost–benefit analysis has been completed.
          (a) No. As per question (1), the cost–benefit analysis also forms part of the project business case being assessed by the commonwealth government and cannot be made public at this time. But again, once those commonwealth processes are completed, if ever, I am happy to provide the analysis.
          (b) Not applicable.
(3) No.
          (a) Not applicable.
          (b) The scheme is industry led by SF Irrigation Cooperative Ltd, which will be responsible for referring the proposal to the Environmental Protection Authority. I understand that it is preparing to make a referral in coming months.