Question On Notice No. 413 asked in the Legislative Council on 31 October 2017 by Hon Robin Chapple
Question Directed to the: Minister for Agriculture and Food
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development investigations into the suitability of the Bonaparte Plains in the Kimberley for irrigated agriculture, and I ask:
(a) when did investigations begin;
(b) what studies are being undertaken;
(c) have any studies been completed;
(d) if yes to (c), will the Minister table the studies or reports;
(e) if no to (d), why not;
(f) what was the total budget for the work;
(g) how much has yet to be spent;
(h) did the department have an agreement with the native title holders regarding the work;
(i) if no to (h), why not;
(j) if yes to (h), what benefits were provided to the native title holders;
(k) how many bore holes have been drilled for the project;
(l) will the Minister table the water investigation and soil investigation plans;
(m) if no to (l), why not;
(n) how much land was cleared for the project;
(o) did the department obtain a clearing permit to clear the land;
(p) if no to (o), why not;
(q) did the department obtain permits to drill the bores; and
(r) if no to (q), why not?
Answered on 28 November 2017
(a) 22 January 2015
(b) Geophysical, hydrogeological, soil and land capability investigations.
(c) No.
(d) and (e) When the reports on the studies have been completed and published, they will be made available.
(f) $3,405,887
(g) $1,093,846, as at 19 October 2017.
(h) Yes
(i) Not applicable
(j) No benefits were provided.
(k) 14
(l) Yes, A full package of documents will be made available for tabling once the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has received concurrence from these project partners.
(m) Not applicable
(n) Less than one hectare.
(o) No
(p) The clearing is prescribed clearing and was not within an environmentally sensitive area, therefore it is exempt from requiring a clearing permit.
(q) No
(r) The bores were exempt from licensing.