DUST MANAGEMENT —
BUYBACK SCHEME — PORT HEDLAND
413. Hon MARTIN ALDRIDGE to the Minister for Regional Development:
My question without notice is asked
on behalf of the Leader of the Nationals in the Legislative Council, Hon Jacqui
Boydell.
I
refer to the proposed Port Hedland voluntary buyback scheme and the government's
response to Mr Ross Love's report relating to the topics in Legislative
Assembly question on notice 6078 asked by Hon Terry Redman on 15 April 2020.
(1) Please provide a specific time
line for cabinet's planned consideration of the report.
(2) Does the
minister accept that even though commercial properties in the West End are not
adversely affected by rezoning, they are severely impacted by the same dust
issues that have driven the government to implement the voluntary buyback
scheme?
(3) If yes to
(2), please outline the government's plans to assist owners of
commercial properties who find their businesses or investments adversely
affected after the voluntary buyback scheme has commenced and the residential
population in the area drops?
(4) If no to (2), please explain how
commercial properties are not impacted to the same level?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank Hon Jacqui Boydell for the
question.
(1) Recommendations
relating to the Port Hedland voluntary buyback scheme operation and
administration are still being considered by government. The diversion of
government attention and resources to COVID-19 has meant some delays in
consideration of the voluntary buyback scheme, but we expect to be in a position
to update the community in coming months.
(2) No. They are
not sensitive land uses. We also note the $300 million investment pledge by BHP
for dust mitigation in the West End.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) We see a positive future for the West End as a buzzing
commercial, maritime and leisure precinct, including development of the
Spoilbank marina and the expansion of port-related commercial activities. To
this end, the Western Australian Planning Commission is seeking public comment
on the ''Draft Port Hedland West End Improvement Scheme No. 1''.