YARRAGADEE AQUIFER - WATER SUPPLY
Last year the minister announced that he would support pumping 45 gigalitres of water from the Yarragadee aquifer provided local needs were met first and environmental approvals were granted.
(1) Why is the Department of Water rejecting applications for private bores in the area of the west Scott Coastal Plain pending the government’s final decision on the Yarragadee proposal?
(2) What confidence does the Department of Water have in the sustainability of the aquifer, given that it is not allowing private bores to proceed until the Yarragadee proposal is approved?
(3) Will the minister make a commitment that local needs will be met before any decision is made to draw water from the aquifer to meet Perth’s future water needs?
Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied:
(1)-(3) It is a very good question. The introduction to the question is incorrect.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Dawesville to order for the first time.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I said there is a proposal that would get government approval if it met a whole range of criteria. It certainly is a very important project.
Mr D.T. Redman: You supported a motion in this house that was amended by the Liberal Party that said local needs would be met.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: The way in which the member put the question is not absolutely accurate. I indicated that the Water Corporation’s proposal for 45 gigalitres of water to be brought into the integrated scheme, which not only goes to Perth but to Kalgoorlie and Norseman, would receive water if the South West Yarragadee is tapped. Currently we are pumping water from the Gnangara mound to meet the needs of the people of Merredin, Kalgoorlie and Norseman. That is a minor point. Clearly, it is a major project that is undergoing thorough investigation and a whole range of approval processes. If those approvals are met, the government will make a decision. That decision will also take into account the priorities and the financial side of things.
The second issue concerned the sustainability of the aquifer and the other applications that were made to take water. The standard process of the Department of Water is first in, best dressed.
Mr T. Buswell interjected.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: The member for Stirling asked a good question and I think he would like to hear the answer. The applications are dealt with in the order in which they are made. However, that process is sometimes varied. It was varied for the applications made for part of the Scott Plain because some of those applications came in well after the Water Corporation made its application.
Mr P.D. Omodei: Rubbish. Some people have spent $50 000 or $60 000 and you’ve knocked them back.
The SPEAKER: Order, members!
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: When is the Leader of the Opposition going to do something about Hon Anthony Fels? The Leader of the Opposition is gutless. His problem is that he does not know how to be a leader. He should do something about Hon Anthony Fels and show some leadership.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Does the Leader of the Opposition want to interject again?
Mr P.D. Omodei: Go on; go for it!
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: The issue that I am trying to get to is that applications were made by people from Scott Plain after the Water Corporation put in its application, and those applications have been approved. The Department of Water then conducted a more thorough, local study and found that there was more water available. The principle remains that applications are normally dealt with in the order in which they are made. That was clearly an issue when the Water Corporation made an application for a large amount of water.
There is a range of different aquifers in that area and they contain a fairly large amount of water that is currently unused.
Mr D.T. Redman: Their applications are being knocked back now. They cannot get water.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is the member saying that some people should have their applications dealt with ahead of others who submitted applications before them?
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I do not think there is equity in that at all. The applications should be dealt with on their merits. There is certainly a clear understanding that there must be adequate water to meet the needs of the south west. All the evidence that has been presented to me suggests that that will be the case.
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