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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 453 asked in the Legislative Council on 10 August 2021 by Hon Dr Steve Thomas

Parliament: 41 Session: 1

LENNOX WEIR

453. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the minister representing the Minister for Water:

I refer to the answer to part 2(c)–(d) of question without notice 251 asked on 15 June 2021 about Lennox Weir on the Carbunup River in the City of Busselton in which the minister told the house —

Surface water will still be available to adjacent landowners but likely at reduced levels. The Water Corporation is working with adjacent landowners to explore other opportunities.

(1) Has the Water Corporation had discussions with adjacent landowners?

(2) If yes to (1), when?

(3) If no to (1), when will those discussions occur?

(4) What options for access to water has the Water Corporation discussed with adjacent landowners and what amount of water has been identified as available?

(5) What is the salt level of the water the Water Corporation expects to provide to or give access to the adjacent landowners?

Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:

I thank the member for the question. The Minister for Water has provided the following information.

(1) Yes.

(2) A meeting was held on Wednesday, 26 May 2021.

(3) Not applicable.

(4) The surface water that collects upstream of the weir, which is accessible to landowners, will still be available. The volume of water and the level of salinity is dependent on climatic conditions, rainfall and the tidal movements and will vary throughout the year. The Water Corporation will continue to work with the adjacent landowners to determine their water-use requirements for agricultural purposes and work toward a mutually agreeable outcome.

(5) Removing the weir stop boards and steel frames may see a short-term, temporary increase of saline water in the upstream during storm surge events; however, this is an entirely natural process experienced in other river systems throughout the region. It should be noted that the current structure is not impervious and currently allows some saline intrusion.