Question On Notice No. 1965 asked in the Legislative Council on 13 March 2019 by Hon Diane Evers
Question Directed to the: Minister for Environment
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the Western Australian Climate change policy currently being developed:
(a) given that climate change projections, outlined in the State of the Environment report 2016 predict changes to the Leeuwin Current will impact the exchange of water between the open ocean and inshore regions, resulting in marine species and vegetation loss, and the invasion of tropical species into temperate areas:
(i) to what extent will the policy consider the management and recovery of at risk marine species and vegetation when variations in water temperature occur;
(ii) will strategies for the recovery of species and vegetation be addressed in the policy; and
(iii) to what extent will the economic impact of market prices and demand resulting from the potential reductions in marketable species be included;
(b) will a strategy to reduce the impacts of the potential increase in algal blooms, anoxia and fish kills in marine and fresh water ecosystems due to sea temperature rise and acidification be included in the policy;
(c) what independent research has been undertaken that will inform the policy in respect of the impact of climate change on marine environments;
(d) to reduce the pressure of the multiple potential ecological consequences of climate change to aquatic ecosystems, will the policy promote connectivity between remnant aquatic habitats, and further reduce impact from human activities by considering new refuges for marine species;
(e) how will the policy address and manage existing issues in wetlands, waterways and marine environments which will be further escalated by climate change, (such as competing land uses, vegetation clearing, drainage, water abstraction, salinisation, pollution, and introduced pests, weeds and diseases); and
(f) how will the policy identify and propose methods to reduce the risks of salinity intrusion induced by sea level rise, unpredictable rainfall and over consumption of aquifers?
Answered on 10 April 2019
(a) – (f) The McGowan Government acknowledges the need to adapt to climate impacts, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in Western Australia to protect our environment, economy and community. The State Government is committed to develop the State Climate Policy by 2020 and will draw together and build on climate-related initiatives already underway in the State. In order to inform the development of the State Climate Policy, an issues paper is currently in development. The McGowan Government’s approach acknowledges the importance of developing this policy consultatively in a way that ensures it is effective and practical. The issues paper is likely to include observed and projected changes for Western Australia’s climate and the impacts on the State; opportunities for adaptation and mitigation; current initiatives; and questions to guide community and stakeholder feedback.