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Parliamentary Questions


Question On Notice No. 2054 asked in the Legislative Council on 2 April 2019 by Hon Robin Chapple

Question Directed to the: Minister for Regional Development
Parliament: 40 Session: 1


Question

I refer to the proposed horticultural development at Skuthorpe in the Kimberley and ask,:
(a) how many hectares of asparagus is planned to be grown;
(b) how much water is available for the asparagus;
(c) what other crops and how many hectares are planned to be grown;
(d) how much water is available for these other crops;
(e) how much labour is required to grow these crops;
(f) are you aware of whether the proponent will seek overseas workers;
(g) on the 20th September, 2018, it was reported in the Broome Advertiser that you said the Department had worked with Kimberley Asparagus to ensure the development plan only includes high value crops like asparagus and table grapes and does not include melons and pumpkins, why;
(h) how will the Minister ensure that melons and pumpkins will not be grown;
(i) is it possible that the land could be transferred to freehold in the future; and
(j) if yes to (i), how would it be ensured that melons and pumpkins not be grown in the future?

Answered on 15 May 2019

(a) 70 hectares which is revised down from the original development plan for at least 100 hectares due to anticipated water availability.

(b) Kimberley Asparagus have sought an initial water licence from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation for 995ML which will service 70 hectares of asparagus and 10 hectares of table grapes. A further 1.75GL is dependent on completion of a further groundwater assessment.

(c) Kimberley Asparagus will trial 10 hectares of other high value crops including table grapes.

(d) See answer to part (b).

(e) It is estimated that 50 full time equivalent positions will be required over the period of a growing season.

(f) All jobs will be advertised locally and unfilled roles will be sourced through backpackers and the Seasonal Worker Programme, which contributes to the economic development of nine Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.

(g) These statements were in line with the development plan Kimberley Asparagus provided to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

(h) The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage will undertake lease compliance assessments during the term of the lease.

(i) Yes.

(j) The sale of the land will be restricted to horticulture but not be subject to future crop production restrictions.