Question On Notice No. 1218 asked in the Legislative Council on 8 May 2018 by Hon Robin Chapple
Question Directed to the: Minister for Regional Development representing the Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I refer to Briefing Note MLN: D16700 File Number: J0817/201701 Burrup Peninsula Issues regarding the location of the Coogee Methanol plant at Site E in the Burrup Strategic Industrial Area (SIA), and I ask:
(a) does the Minister believe that this is an appropriate location for the Coogee Methanol plant;
(b) if yes to (a), why;
(c) is the Minister aware that Site E is within the explosive buffer of the Yara Pilbara Fertilisers Technical Ammonia Nitrate (TAN) plant;
(d) if no to (b), why not;
(e) if yes to (b), can the Minister explain why it is practical to build a methanol and monoethylene glycol (MEG) petrochemical plant within the explosive buffer zone of a TAN plant;
(f) is the Minister aware that approximately 1,800 ancient Indigenous rock carvings were recently relocated to Site E following their historical displacement due to previous development of the industry on Burrup Peninsula;
(g) if no to (c), why not;
(h) if yes to (c), why does the Minister think it is practical to build a methanol and monoethylene glycol (MEG) petrochemical plant in such close proximity to ancient art of such cultural significance;
(i) I refer to the Maitland Industrial Estate, a former sheep station, with flat terrain, located South West of the Burrup Peninsula and ask:
(i) does the Minister believe this area to be more suitable for an MEG petrochemical plant, given that there is no ancient Indigenous rock carvings and no TAN plant within a proximity that could possibly cause harm; and
(j) if no to (i)(i), why not?
Answered on 26 June 2018
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation advises:
(a-b) This has yet to be determined. The Burrup Strategic Industrial Area is planned and zoned for heavy industry including gas processing such as the production of ammonia and methanol. Proponents must undertake feasibility, engineering and design studies in order to decide on the viability of the location for their proposed project, including the management of their interaction with their neighbours. The projects must also comply with all relevant legislation including, but not limited to:
- the Environmental Protection Act 1986;
- the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972;
- the Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004;
- the Native Title Act 1993 (Commonwealth); and
- the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth).
(c) Yes.
(d) Not applicable.
(e) This is a matter that is considered by the relevant regulatory authorities as part of any project approvals process.
(f) Yes.
(g) Not applicable.
(h) This is a matter that is considered by the relevant regulatory authorities as part of any project approvals process.
(i)(i) No.
(j) The Maitland Strategic Industrial Area provides an opportunity for projects focused on the domestic market, and potential future export-oriented industrial development. However, the site lacks basic infrastructure, is some distance from existing port infrastructure and would require considerable investment to attract major projects.