Question On Notice No. 2041 asked in the Legislative Council on 2 April 2019 by Hon Robin Chapple
Question Directed to the: Minister for Environment representing the Minister for Transport
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the proposed
dredging in Roebuck Bay in the Kimberley, part of which is Ramsar listed
because of its internationally significant migratory birds, a hotspot for rare
snubfin dolphins, and a marine park jointly managed with the Yawuru
Traditional Owners, and ask:
(a) how much is being spent on the dredging;
(b) how many more ships are estimated to be able to use
the Port if the dredging goes ahead;
(c) has a cost-benefit analysis been undertaken on the
proposal;
(d) if no to (c), why not;
(e) if yes to (c), will the Minister table the document;
(f) has Kimberley Ports Authority considered altering the
under keel clearance regulations to allow a larger window of time for ships to
enter;
(g) if no to (f), why not;
(h) does the Kimberley Ports Authority, the department or
the Minister have the power to change the under keel clearance so that dredging
is not required;
(i) if no to (h), why not;
(j) in metres and centimetres, what is the minimum
clearance available between the deepest point on vessels and the seabed for
ships entering the Port of Broome;
(k) can the Kimberley Ports Authority provide evidence that
there will not be any risk of maintenance dredging following the initial
proposed capital dredge in Roebuck Bay;
(l) if no to (k), why not;
(m) if yes to (k), will the Minister table the evidence;
(n) in
its proposal, has the Kimberley Port Authority considered the effects of cyclones
and big wet season events in the accretion of dredged areas, for example, as in
the unexpected circumstance at Darwin harbour, where studies showed no
maintenance dredging would be needed, but in fact regular maintenance dredging
is now required;
(o) if no to (n), why not; and
(p) if yes to (n), will the Minister table the document?
Answered on 15 May 2019
Refer to Legislative Council Question on Notice 2040.