Question On Notice No. 495 asked in the Legislative Council on 1 November 2017 by Hon Robin Chapple
Question Directed to the: Minister for Environment representing the Minister for Housing
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I refer to a contract awarded to Josh Byrne and Associates for the "planning and preliminary design of water and sanitation services for the Tjuntjuntjara community" by the Department of Communities, Housing, and ask:
(a) what is the timeframe for this planning and design work to be carried out;
(b) if there isn't one, why not;
(c) does the contractor have a requirement to provide a long term plan for the improvement of water and sanitation services at Tjunjuntjara;
(d) if no to (c), why not;
(e) is the contractor aware the community already has conceptual designs for how they would like to see their community improved;
(f) if no to (e), why not;
(g) will the contractor be working closely with the community to ensure that all of their needs are met;
(h) if no to (g), why not;
(i) is there further work planned for the improvement of water and sanitation services at Tjuntjuntjara;
(j) if yes to (i), please detail;
(k) if no to (i), what is expected to happen once the planning and preliminary design is completed; and
(l) when will the people of Tjuntjuntjara realistically expect to have safe drinking water and basic sanitation and living standards within their community?
Answered on 28 November 2017
The Department of Communities advises:
(a) The contract was awarded on 4 July 2017. The preliminary design of water and sanitation services was completed on 14 September 2017.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Yes, this contract refined a previous feasibility study where all water provisioning and sanitation options were identified. It provides a long term water and sanitation solution for Tjunjuntjara.
(d) Not applicable.
(e) Yes, the community previously engaged with Josh Byrne and Associates under a pro bono arrangement, prior to them being awarded the contract. The company considered the community aspirations and produced a report title “Tjuntjunjarra Integrated Water Management Peer Review”, in December 2014. The Department of Communities has built on this concept report to deliver a practical and long term sustainable water management plan.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Yes, the contractor has worked closely with the community to accommodate improvements to community infrastructure.
(h) Not applicable.
(i) Yes.
(j) New water sources are being investigated and improvements to the existing water treatment plant are being considered.
(k) Not applicable.
(l) The community does have access to clean, safe drinking water. The water supply for both the microbiological quality and chemical composition is tested regularly, with results monitored by the Department of Health. Testing confirms that water quality falls within the recommended Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011. A Reverse Osmosis Unit which reduces the uranium and nitrate levels in the drinking water supply was commissioned in December 2016.
The current investment through the Department of Communities will deliver an improved volume of water to facilitate planned housing development and infrastructure upgrades. These projects are scheduled to be completed in 2018.