''WHEATBELT REGION PARKS AND RESERVES DRAFT
MANAGEMENT PLAN''
321. Hon MARTIN ALDRIDGE to the Minister for Environment:
I refer to the ''Wheatbelt
Region parks and reserves draft management plan''.
(1) What specific consultation has occurred with local
government, not-for-profit organisations and others that have land vested under their control that are
intended to form part of the Conservation and Parks Commission?
(2) When vesting
is subject to consultation with the appropriate organisation in control of the
state land, when is it intended that this consultation will occur?
(3) Is the
minister aware that local governments have not been directly made aware of the
plan and the related public comment period that closes on 5 April 2019?
(4) Will the
minister extend the public comment period and more widely advertise the
opportunity for public comment in light of these failings?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) The
consultation process for this draft management plan has been occurring with the
community and local governments for several years. In November 2017, all local
governments covering the planning area were advised of the preparation of the
draft management plan and invited to provide comment by contacting the
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Local governments
were advised by letter on 15 February 2019 about the release of the draft
management plan for public comment, as required under section 59 of the
Conservation and Land Management Act.
(2) Further
consultation with individual landholders about implementation of proposed
tenure changes will be undertaken after I have approved the final management
plan.
(3) Refer to answer (1).
(4) The release
of the draft plan was advertised in two issues of The West Australian
and Farm Weekly to satisfy the requirements of the CALM act, and also
through the distribution of letters to a wide range of stakeholders throughout
the state, including relevant local governments. The public comment period
opened on 5 February 2019 and closes on 5 April 2019. Individual stakeholders
are encouraged to contact DBCA if they require an extension for their
submission.