Question On Notice No. 6268 asked in the Legislative Assembly on 18 June 2020 by Mr D.T. Redman
Question Directed to the: Minister for Water; Forestry; Innovation and ICT; Science; Youth
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the Warren Donnelly water advisory committee, and ask:
(a) Can the Minister confirm that current activity of the Warren Donnelly water advisory committee has been suspended:
(i) If so, why; and
(ii) If so, when will the committee resume its meetings or ordinary business;
(b) When was the last meeting of the Warren Donnelly Water advisory committee;
(c) Can the Minister confirm a number of existing members are finishing up on the committee:
(i) If so, who is finishing up on the committee; and
(ii) If so, what is the timing and process for appointing new members to the committee;
(d) Given the significant interest in all matters to do with water advisory
roles in the Manjimup and Pemberton districts, what is the Ministers
strategy to ensure an appropriate community balance on any new committee
membership;
(e) Can the Minister give an indication of community interest (applicants)
in the membership of the Warren Donnelly water advisory committee; and
(f) Can the Minister outline his vision for the future role of the Warren Donnelly water advisory committee?
Answered on 11 August 2020
(a) Yes
(i) Membership of the Committee is being renewed following the expiry of members’ terms of appointment and member resignations.
(ii) The Committee will resume meetings following the appointment of new members.
(b) 25 June 2019
(c)(i) The membership of the Committee is being finalised.
(ii) Applications for membership closed on 7 April 2020. Candidates are considered against the selection criteria and Committee Terms of Reference. Cabinet will consider recommended appointments and applicants will be informed of the outcome.
(d) Appointments to the Warren Donnelly Water Advisory Committee will reflect the diversity of the community; knowledge or interest in local water-related matters, links to the community and contribute towards this Government’s target of 50 per cent representation of women on boards and committees.
(e) There was moderate interest in the six advertised community or industry representative positions, with more applications received than available positions.
(f) The role of the Committee is to provide advice to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, as requested, in regard to surface water management and allocation within the Warren and Donnelly river catchments.