SOUTHERN FORESTS
IRRIGATION SCHEME — WATER LICENSING
793. Hon DIANE EVERS to the minister representing the
Minister for Water:
I refer to the southern forests irrigation scheme.
(1) Does the
Southern Forests Irrigation Co-operative hold an exemption for the requirement
to hold a water services licence under the Water Services Act 2012, as per the
former Minister for Water's class exemptions in 2012?
(2) If yes to
(1), why is it not excluded from the exemption like other similar schemes, such
as Harvey Water?
(3) If yes to (1), which act sets out the —
(a) process
for consultation with landowners affected by the construction of the proposed
pipeline and their rights and avenues for objections; and
(b) regulations,
operation audits and asset management reviews, and when they will be
undertaken?
(4) Is the
minister aware that the Southern Forests Irrigation Co-operative has sent
letters to affected landowners prior to completion of the Environmental
Protection Authority's public environmental review?
Hon DARREN WEST replied:
On behalf of the Minister for Regional Development, I thank
the honourable member for some notice of the question. On behalf of the
Minister for Water, I provide the following answer.
(1) A class
exemption is in place for irrigation services that are not in the Gascoyne,
Ord, Harvey, Waroona, Collie and Preston Valley irrigation districts proclaimed
under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914.
(2) The
exemption was granted under the Liberal–National government in December
2013. This was prior to the establishment of the Southern Forests Irrigation
Co-operative.
(3) (a) There
is no legislative requirement for consultation with landholders. However, the
service provider would need to negotiate individual agreements with property
owners to be able to access land to construct, operate and maintain assets.
(b) Should a
water services provider operate under an exemption through the Water Services
Act 2012, the duties and obligations of the act, including operational audits
and asset management reviews, would not apply.
(4) I am now aware that the letters have been sent.