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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 1295 asked in the Legislative Council on 4 December 2018 by Hon Dr Steve Thomas

Parliament: 40 Session: 1

BIOMASS ENERGY PLANT — COLLIE

1295. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the Minister for Regional Development:

I refer to the government's commitment to develop a biomass energy plant and solar farm in Collie, as indicated by the Premier, who said, and I quote —

Labor would commit $30 million towards a biomass power plant as well as the planting of timber needed to fuel it. There would also be $30 million for a solar farm.

(1) How has the government progressed the proposed biomass plant?

(2) When will the proposed solar farm start producing energy, and how many jobs will the proposal deliver to the Collie site?

(3) What plantings have occurred to provide the fuel for the proposed biomass plant?

(4) Given the time taken to grow the trees, how soon would the government's planted forest be providing fuel for the proposed biomass plant?

Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:

I thank the member for the question. I point out that not all biomass plants operate on the back of plantation timber, as the member would well know.

(1)–(2) A prefeasibility study has been undertaken and is under consideration as part of the development of the Collie–Bunbury economic development plan.

(3)–(4) Not applicable.