Quarantine WA stockyards—Kununurra
605. Hon Neil Thomsonto theMinister for Agriculture and Food:
I refer to the operating status of the Kununurra Quarantine WA stockyards.
(1) Can the minister please confirm that the Kununurra Quarantine WA stockyards are currently unable to be used due to works to the loading ramp?
(2) If yes to (1), when was the decision made to proceed with these works?
(3) If yes to (1), what contingencies were arranged to ensure the stockyards, which are part of the entry point for livestock in the north, remained operational?
(4) If yes to (1), what consultation occurred with local stakeholders—who were they and when was it?
(5) If yes to (1), why was the decision made to undertake the works just prior to the region's largest bull sale, which will occur on Friday 22 August?
Hon Jackie Jarvis replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(5) The state government has funded and commenced upgrades at the Kununurra stockyards, including CCTV and lighting upgrades; generator replacement and modernisation of the electrical system; replacement of the cattle handling device; improvements to site drainage to minimise future flooding events; an upgraded and larger hay shed on elevated land; an additional ablution block for truck drivers; and an upgrade to a customised larger ramp to offload cattle from the road trains. Alternative arrangements have been established to clear imports that were in transit at the time of the closure and those that are anticipated during the period of the upgrade. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is seeking to expedite works, with completion as soon as practicable.
