Question On Notice No. 292 asked in the Legislative Council on 14 September 2021 by Hon Dr Steve Thomas
Question Directed to the: Minister for Regional Development representing the Minister for Lands
Parliament: 41 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the actions of the Department of Lands in soil removing lead contaminated soil from 19 Gwalla Street, Northampton in 2018, which resulted in significant erosion issues particularly in the North West corner of the block, and I ask:
(a) can the Minister confirm that the erosion has occurred and continues to occur;
(b) what corrective actions have been taken to fix the problem;
(c) what future corrective actions will be taken to fix the problem;
(d) have the owners of the block had to fix the erosion problems themselves;
(e) what compensation have the owners been offered or accepted for the problems created;
(f) has the Department of Lands abrogated its responsibility to the owners and, if not, why not;
(g) will the Minister for Lands review the problem and consult with the owners; and
(h) if no to (g), why not?
Answered on 26 October 2021
(a) The Minister for Lands understands there was minor erosion on the property since the initial works and subsequent follow up works were completed.
(b) The original lead tailings clean up and replacements works were completed on the property in 2018. Further works were undertaken on four separate occasions throughout 2019 in consultation with the landowner.
(c) None
(d) No, however any future erosion, including as a result of weather events such as Cyclone Seroja, is outside of the scope of the Northampton Lead Tailings Remedial Works.
(e) None. The State undertook all works under the program at no cost to landowners.
(f) No. The Department has successfully remediated the lead contamination from each land parcel that formed part of the Northampton Lead Tailings Project and returned each site to as near to original condition as possible at no expense to the land owners.
(g) The Minister for Lands has reviewed the issue raised by the landowner of 19 Gwalla Street and provided a written response in June this year.
(h) Not applicable.