Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

to move:

That the House:

(1)

recognises that:

(a)

the Kurnell Peninsula of southern Sydney is the traditional land of the Gweagal people of the Dharawal nation;

(b)

the landing site of Lieutenant James Cook on April 29, 1770 at Kurnell is the modern birthplace of our nation and is recognised on the National Heritage List;

(c)

the village of Kurnell is a strong local community comprising approximately 700 homes;

(d)

Botany Bay is a valuable marine environment providing sanctuary for migratory birdlife and habitat for territorial marine creatures; and

(e)

construction of the desalination pipeline has commenced across Botany Bay from the Kurnell Peninsula, under approval as critical infrastructure by the New South Wales State Government;

(2)

expresses concern that:

(a)

Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in New South Wales exempts critical infrastructure projects from all planning instruments and codes that might otherwise apply, precludes third party rights of appeal and limits powers and penalties in relation to enforcement of breaches of conditions;

(b)

due to the use of Part 3A of the Act, the impacts of the construction of this pipeline on the marine environment and cultural heritage of Botany Bay and the Kurnell Peninsula are unknown; and

(c)

since construction has commenced, there have been a series of breaches in relation to the failure of silt nets to contain land fill on Silver Beach at Kurnell; sheet pilling testing has exceeded nominated noise vibration benchmarks, posing a threat to resident property; and there is concern in the community about the ongoing impacts and failures of this project; and

(3)

calls on the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts to protect the physical environment and cultural heritage of Botany Bay and the Kurnell Peninsula by requesting the New South Wales State Government to:

(a)

prepare a comprehensive environmental remediation plan to address the impact of developing the desalination plant, including the pipeline across Botany Bay;

(b)

conduct such environmental studies as are required to determine the impact of the development of the desalination plant and associated pipeline on the environment, and to make such studies available to the public;

(c)

ensure that the development of environmental remediation plans is a requirement for any future referred approvals for critical infrastructure projects to the Commonwealth by the New South Wales Government that are subject to Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979;

(d)

prepare a heritage and community remediation plan that addresses the impact and disruption caused to residents and the area by the construction of the desalination plant and associated pipeline; and

(e)

ensure the New South Wales State Government and its agents monitor and report on the ongoing impacts of the project and commit to informing residents in advance of any issues that may impact on residents or their local environment.

See this speech in context