Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Minister for the Public Service, I move:

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications—(Infrastructure)—Cocos (Keeling) Islands West Island—Seawater Reserve Osmosis plant and Wastewater Treatment plant upgrade.

The work will involve the construction of a new seawater reserve and osmosis plant and a capacity upgrade of the existing wastewater treatment plant. The proposed works will generate multiple benefits by protecting water security through a sustainable water source, ensuring safer, more livable communities and the continuity of economic activity. The estimated cost of the works is $18.4 million, excluding GST. The work must be referred to, considered by and reported on by, both houses of parliament by the Public Works Committee before work can commence. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction activities are expected to commence in April 2023 and be completed by January 2024.

I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

On behalf of the Minister for the Public Service, I move:

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority—Douglas Shoal Environmental Remediation.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is proposing to undertake environmental remediation of the Douglas Shoal area within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The remediation works will address extensive damage caused by the coal carrier Shen Neng 1 which ran aground in 2010, causing contamination of an area of more than 40 hectares. The proposed environmental remediation will involve the removal of rubble and contaminants that are impeding natural recovery and management and disposal of these onshore.

The estimated cost of remediation works is $19.4 million, excluding GST. The works will be funded from an out-of-court settlement negotiated by the Commonwealth with the ship's owners and insurers. The works must be referred to, considered by, and reported on by, both houses of parliament by the Public Works Committee before works can commence. Subject to parliamentary approval, works are expected to commence from mid-2022 and be completed by early 2024.

I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.