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Parliamentary Questions


Question On Notice No. 1110 asked in the Legislative Council on 15 November 2022 by Hon Dr Brad Pettitt

Question Directed to the: Minister for Emergency Services representing the Minister for Tourism
Parliament: 41 Session: 1


Question

(1) Will the Minister advise who is the member of the Rottnest Island Authority Board appointed under section 6(2)(a) of the Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987?
(2) What are the qualifications and experience of the person appointed under section 6(2)(a) of the Act?
(3) Will the Minister explain why the Rottnest Island Authority operates as a planning authority yet fails to make publicly available agendas, minutes, and officer reports relating to development applications contrary to the current practice of other planning authorities in Western Australia (notably the Western Australian Planning Commission and each of the 137 local government authorities)?
(4) Will the Minister consider bringing the Rottnest Island Authority into line with other planning authorities by publishing agendas, minutes and officer reports and receiving deputations from individuals and groups when an application is being considered?
(5) Are there any plans to review the Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987?
(6) Is the Minister aware that development applications are being considered by the Rottnest Island Authority for the provision of staff housing?
(7) If yes to (6), is the Minister aware of any impact analysis that has been undertaken regarding development applications for staff housing and, if so, could the Minister please table these reports?

Answered on 14 February 2023

(1)          Ms Louise Watson.

 

(2)          Ms Watson holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Eco Chemistry. She has extensive environmental management experience and has held positions as a Contaminated Land Consultant and Environmental Manager.

 

(3)          The Rottnest Island Authority operates under a statutory management plan in accordance with the provisions of the Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987. Legislatively, no development of living accommodation for guests can occur outside of the statutory Settlement Area and any development not provided for in the management plan requires the approval of the Minister.  In addition, the management plan must be reviewed every five years and is subject to statutorily required public notification and consultation processes.

 

(4)          Rottnest Island Authority already invites and receives public submissions on significant developments, providing opportunities for interested parties to make representations and decisions on development applications are publicly notified.

 

(5)          Not at this time.

 

(6)          The Minister is aware of the consideration of development applications for staff housing.

 

(7)          The Rottnest Island Authority has submitted an application for a Native Vegetation Clearing Permit to Department of Water and Environmental Regulation for the land at Parker Point Road, which is the subject of development applications for staff housing.  Rottnest Island Authority engaged external expert consultants to produce a Native Vegetation Clearing Report in support of the application.  The Report also references a botanist survey of the area previously conducted by Focus Vision Consultancy.