Reply to Statements made at recent Residents' Meeting

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Published: Monday, 29 September 2014 11:25

We promised at the Residents meeting to use our best endeavours to supply factual information to you at all times, and below you will find facts that correct a statement made by MLC Paul Brown at our meeting.

Paul stated that The Minister for the Environment would have the final say on whether a proposed bauxite mine would go ahead in our back yard.

Fact:

The Minister for Environment does have the final say on approvals under the Environmental Protection Act (1986) such as the Part IV approvals like Public Environmental Review’s which would be the primary environmental approval for the project unless the EPA decides not to formally assess.  The Department of Environment Regulation has responsibility for licences and Part V approvals under the EP Act.  The Minister for Mines has responsibility for Mining Approvals like Mining Proposals.  Then there are approvals under the Aboriginal Heritage Act if there are heritage sites affected (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) and there is a State Agreement which is the responsibility of the Minister for State Development (Colin Barnett).

MLC Paul Brown suggested that we focus our attention on the Minister for Environment.  Clearly there are a number of others involved in approvals processes. 

In the end if there is enough opposition the politicians will listen!!!.