Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 11 May 2011:

With reference to the Minister's decision regarding the proposed Browse Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility and industrial port at James Price Point in the Kimberley region of Western Australia:

(1) What reports and advice will be considered in making this decision.

(2) In addition to the reports and advice provided by proponents and agencies, will the Minister commission independent expert advice on the impacts of the LNG facility and industrial port on matters of national environmental significance; if not, why not.

(3) Given the clear failure of the proponent to adequately address the: (a) Strategic Assessment Terms of Reference; (b) requirements set out in the Strategic Assessment Scoping Document; and (c) Minister's Strategic Assessment Endorsement Criteria, how will the Minister gather the necessary information on which to base a responsible decision.

(4) Will the Minister wait until the statutory appeals process allowed for under the Western Australia Environmental Protection Act 1986 is complete before making a decision on the LNG project, given that this process is likely to produce important new and relevant information about the impacts of the project and the failings of the strategic assessment process; if not, why not.

Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) The Minister's decision on whether or not to endorse the plan for the proposed precinct will only be made following the review of all information required by the terms of reference for the strategic assessment.

(2) At this stage the department has commissioned independent expert advice in relation to potential impacts from dredging.

(3) The Minister will determine whether the proponent has adequately addressed the Strategic Assessment Terms of Reference and Endorsement Criteria after he receives the final assessment report.

(4) Yes.