Question On Notice No. 1650 asked in the Legislative Council on 16 September 2014 by Hon Lynn Maclaren
Question Directed to the: Minister for Agriculture and Food representing the Minister for Forestry
Parliament: 39 Session: 1
Question
(1) Is the Minister aware:
(a) that there is considerable opposition to the Jarrahdale timber mill in the local community; and
(b) that the Shire Council has received numerous objections to the proposal, particularly with regard to the protection of the remaining jarrah forests, as well as health, noise, dust and traffic impacts?
(2) Will the proponent be required to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment?
(3) If no to (2),:
(a) why not;
(b) what assessment and approval processes has the proponent been required to engage in; and
(c) what further assessment processes are required?
(4) Is the Minister aware that there have been reports that the proponent plans to:
(a) use native forest wood to generate energy at this site; and
(b) process timber into pellets for energy production off-site?
(5) Does the Minister support the use of native forest wood for energy generation?
(6) Is the Forest Products Commission (FPC) working independently, or with any companies or agencies, to develop the use of Western Australian native timber for energy generation?
(7) If yes to (6), please provide details on what projects the FPC is working on to develop the use of native forest wood for energy generation?
(8) Is the Minister aware that during the operation of the previous mill there were significant impacts on the nearby Gooralong Brook, with local residents saying that the mill’s water use from the brook significantly reduced its flow and affected the associated wildlife?
(9) Did the Minister for Local Government and Member for Darling Range, Hon Tony Simpson MLA, give approval for the proponent to begin operations in the Special Use Zone?
(10) If yes to (9), on what authority did the Minister and local Member give this approval?
Answered on 14 October 2014
(1) (a)Yes. The concerns of some local residents has been noted from local media coverage.
(b)No
(2) - (3) I am advised that the proposal has not been granted planning approval by the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale. Therefore, the proposal cannot be implemented at this time and referral to the Environmental Protection Authority for environmental impact assessment is not required.
If at some future date, the proposal is granted planning approval, then the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale and/or the proponent will need to give consideration to whether the proposal requires referral to the Environmental Protection Authority under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
(4) (a)No
(b)Yes
(5) Yes, under certain conditions.
(6) Yes
(7) As these proposals are not agreed, there are no details which can be provided.
(8) No
(9) No
(10) Not applicable.