SOUTHERN QUEEN OF SHEBA
ORCHIDS — GULL ROCK NATIONAL PARK
825. Hon RICK MAZZA to the Minister for Environment:
I refer to a 9 August 2019 ABC news
article that reported the accidental destruction of southern Queen of Sheba
orchids in an area of Gull Rock National Park by Department of Biodiversity,
Conservation and Attractions staff.
(1) Approximately how many plants
were destroyed?
(2) What was the cause of the
environmental destruction?
(3) How will DBCA work more closely
with local conservation groups following this incident?
(4) What is the
status of Ramelius Resources' proposal to clear 48.8 hectares of land
adjacent to the Edna May mine near Westonia, which has been delayed due to the
potential disturbance of four native Eremophila resinosa plants?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) Approximately 30 plants were
disturbed.
(2) An
unauthorised existing track that was 60 metres in length had been historically
used for illegal dumping of rubbish and abandoned vehicles. Under the supervision
of Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions staff, the cleared
track was rehabilitated and closed by ripping and heaping soils with a bobcat.
No disturbance took place in the vegetated areas adjacent to the track. DBCA
was not aware of the orchids on the track and had no intention of disturbing
them.
(3) DBCA staff have met with representatives from the
local orchid group, and committed to improved communications and processes for
data sharing on orchid locations. DBCA is working closely with volunteers in the local community, the Western Australian
Native Orchid Study and Conservation Group and Adopt an Orchid project
volunteers to minimise the likelihood of an occurrence of this type of event in
the future.
Honourable
member, the next part of the question should have been referred to the Minister
for Mines and Petroleum; however, I have sought an answer from him and I
provide that.
(4) The Minister
for Mines and Petroleum has advised that the native vegetation clearing permit
for 48.8 hectares was refused on 1 November 2018. A new native vegetation
clearing permit for 16.6 hectares is currently under assessment with the
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
[Interruption.]
Several members
interjected.
The PRESIDENT: I would hate to enforce what our
previous President might have had in place and confiscate the phone!