Question Without Notice No. 225 asked in the Legislative Council on 5 April 2011 by Hon Lynn Maclaren
Parliament: 38 Session: 1
GRAIN RAIL NETWORK — TIER 3 LINES — REGIONAL ROAD UPGRADES
225. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the minister representing the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the degradation and closure of tier 3 rail lines in the state’s Wheatbelt.
(1) Which regional roads will be upgraded to handle the additional freight movements resulting from these closures, and when will these upgrades take place?
(2) Were environmental impact studies undertaken to determine the impact of upgrading the regional roads, especially the clearing of roadside vegetation?
(3) If no to (2), why not?
(4) If yes to (2), when were these studies done and were or are they open to public scrutiny? If they are not open to public scrutiny, why not?
(5) Are clearing permits being obtained for roadworks that result in clearing vegetation; and, if not, why not?
Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) This Liberal–National government is proud to commit significant resources to the grain freight network, which was ignored by the previous government. Main Roads Western Australia is currently in the process of confirming the scope of works for this program. Upgrades will be undertaken over the four years between 2011-12 and 2014-15.
(2) No.
(3) Environmental impact studies are not generally undertaken until such time as the project scope has been confirmed.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) Clearing permits will be obtained for roadworks where applicable.