Question On Notice No. 269 asked in the Legislative Council on 2 September 2021 by Hon Dr Steve Thomas
Question Directed to the: Minister for Regional Development representing the Minister for Water
Parliament: 41 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the resumption of by Water Corporation of land owned by Charlie and Angela Italiano of Harvey to host water tanks on Wellington Location 554, Honeymoon Road, Harvey, and I ask:
(a) does the Minister accept that the tanks, and possible future additional tanks, are a blight on the property;
(b) were the landowners paid fair and just compensation for the resumption of their land;
(c) why was the independent valuation report by Glenn Miller of Glenn Miller Property Consultants ignored and not acted on in the resumption;
(d) why was the comparison of like properties in the valuation accepted by the Water Corporation presented by Mr Wilson done with properties some distance away and within the area designated as alumina processing affected Area B near Wagerup; and
(e) does the Minister stand by this valuation and, if so, why?
Answered on 12 October 2021
(a) – (e) The decisions referred to were all made during the period of the former Liberal National Government. In 2009, the then Minister endorsed a Taking Order process against the landowner. In 2010, the Water Corporation became the owner of the land and subsequently the tanks were built. In 2012, a compensation payment was made to Mr Italiano. In 2016, during the period of the former Liberal National Government, Mr Italiano commenced legal action against Water Corporation. The matters were scrutinised and subject to a determination of the Supreme Court.