Question On Notice No. 144 asked in the Legislative Council on 15 August 2017 by Hon Robin Chapple
Question Directed to the: Minister for Regional Development representing the Minister for Water
Question Directed to: Hon D.J. Kelly
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
(1) I refer to Mowanjum and the previous State Government’s Water for Food project, and ask:
(a) is the Minister satisfied that long term water pumping by the existing pumps to irrigate 38 hectares will not cause a reduction in groundwater depth and water quality;
(b) if yes to (a), why;
(c) if no to (a), why not;
(d) does the Department of Water know how much water can be drawn in this area without negatively impacting groundwater quantity and quality;
(e) if yes to (d), how;
(f) if no to (d), why not;
(g) is there any possibility that the nearby saltwater interface could move inland due to pumping groundwater in the Mowanjum area;
(h) if yes to (g), how will this be prevented;
(i) if no to (g), how is this known;
(j) is the Minister aware that prior to the development, the previous Government did not undertake hydrological studies, a cost benefit analysis nor soil studies for this project; and
(k) what is the current status of the project?
(2) How many local residents of the Mowanjum community have:
(a) undertaken training directly linked to the project to date;
(b) gained direct employment as a result of the project to date; and
(c) have current employment as a direct result of the project?
(3) What is the value of funds expended to date on the project and how have these funds been spent?
Answered on