State barrier fence—Esperance extension
603. Hon Dr Steve Thomasto theMinister for Agriculture and Food:
Given the previous question, my question without notice has not changed to a question to the Minister for Agriculture and Food—it is not a Thursday!
I refer to my question without notice 1171 of 15 October 2024 on the stalled state barrier fence Esperance extension.
(1) As at 18 August 2025, what progress has occurred on the approximate 140-kilometre gap in the Salmon Gums section?
(2) What is the status of payments to the awarded fencing contractor within the Esperance Noongar native title area?
(3) What is the outcome or progress of the proposed Indigenous land use agreement with the Ngadju people in relation to native title?
(4) Does the minister accept or reject the proposal to explore the feasibility of locating the outstanding Ngadju portion of the fence on private land to expedite this stalled project?
The President: I am not even going to comment on whether that meets the standing order requirements. The member should know better. The Minister for Agriculture and Food.
Hon Jackie Jarvis replied:
Thank you, President. I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) Construction of the Esperance extension of the state barrier fence continues. A contract was recently awarded to construct 78 kilometres in section 5. Environmental and heritage approvals for the section that encompasses Salmon Gums continue to be progressed.
(2) Payments are made by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to the contracted supplier for fence contracts following inspection of completed sections. DPIRD has no outstanding payments to its supplier and is unable to comment on any matters associated with subcontractors used by the supplier.
(3) Respectful negotiations with the Ngadju Native Title Aboriginal Corporation regarding a mutually agreed Indigenous land use agreement (ILUA) for the construction the section north of Salmon Gums are ongoing.
(4) The state government requires an ILUA to enable a state barrier fence reserve to be created on unallocated crown land subject to native title. This is to enable this public asset to be maintained by the state in the future.
