Question On Notice No. 1095 asked in the Legislative Council on 29 March 2018 by Hon Rick Mazza
Question Directed to the: Minister for Agriculture and Food
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
(1) Has the State Government advised the Federal Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources that up to 15 gigalitres of water is being re-allocated away from access by self-supply water users to provide for the irrigation scheme?
(2) Has the State Government advised the Federal Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources that its actions have caused intense controversy amongst food producers in the Shire of Manjimup?
(3) Has the State Government advised the Federal Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources that major change to the Warren-Donnelly surface water allocation plan (2012) was not issued for public comment by stakeholders?
(4) Priority in Federal funding under the National Infrastructure Development Fund is given to projects within statutory water resource management plans. Has the State Government advised the Federal Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources that the Warren-Donnelly surface water allocation plan (2012) is not a statutory plan prepared in accordance with Part III, Division 3D 'Plans for management of water resources' of the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act (1914)?
Answered on 16 May 2018
It is presumed the Member is referring to the Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme.
- No, as 15 gigalitres is not being reallocated away from water self-supply users. I refer the Honourable member to my answer to this issue on 28 March 2018. There has been no change to existing licenses and the only impact is on those speculating that additional water licenses may be available in the future. Most areas are fully allocated and any additional licenses could only be issued at the expense of the environment.
- No, I am aware that the initial disquiet among some sections of the community has lessened as a result of greater understanding of the project, this is further evidenced by the recent overwhelming water sales received by Southern Forests Irrigation Co-operative.
- No. I am advised via the Minister for Water that the temporary measure was subject to consultation within the Warren Donnelly Water Advisory Committee and that any permanent changes to the allocation plan will be subject to public consultation.
- The project has not succeeded in attracting Federal funding.