Bill Marmion
Minister for Environment; Water
Member for Nedlands
New plan identifies Peel region water availability
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40GL available for licensing
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Supporting regional growth through water availability
A new water allocation plan for the Peel region will provide certainty about groundwater availability for a range of important industries while supporting growth in the region.
Water Minister Bill Marmion said the Murray groundwater allocation plan confirmed that 40 gigalitres of water was available for licencing.
"Groundwater in the Murray area is a vital resource for the regional economy," Mr Marmion said.
"It supports agriculture, horticulture, mining, industrial, urban and recreational activities as well as the internationally recognised significant ecosystems and wetlands of the Peel region."
The Minister said the plan achieved a balance between the future water needs for the Peel region and the existing needs of the environment and licensed users.
"The Government has listened to concerns about over abstraction of groundwater resources and how declining rainfall could adversely affect the area's groundwater-dependent ecosystem," he said.
"The plan allows for water to be licenced, based on an improved understanding of the Murray system. The allocation limits have been set at 75 per cent of recharge, with the balance reserved to protect aquifer integrity and the environment.
"It therefore provides clarity for both water users and the broader community, so that the ongoing benefits from these water resources can be realised."
Fact File:
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40GL available for licensing
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Allocation limits set at 75 per cent of calculated recharge
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Complements the 2011 Murray drainage and water management plan
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The plan and statement of response to public submissions during its comment period are available from http://www.water.wa.gov.au
Minister's office - 6552 6800
Nominations open for 2012 WA Water Awards
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Nominations open for WA Water Awards
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Awards celebrate outstanding water achievement in WA
Water Minister Bill Marmion today called for nominations in the 2012 Australian Water Association WA Water Awards, which recognise significant contributions made by organisations and individuals to water management in Western Australia.
"Western Australia is at the forefront of water innovation and the WA Water Awards provide an excellent opportunity to highlight the outstanding work being done to ensure the sustainability of our State's precious water resources," Mr Marmion said.
"I encourage individuals, businesses, schools and other organisations to nominate themselves or others for achievement in areas such as water management, innovation, conservation and efficiency."
The awards are organised by the Australian Water Association and presented by the Department of Water and the Water Corporation. They recognise achievement in the following categories:
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Infrastructure innovation
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Program innovation
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Research innovation
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Resource management
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Conservation and efficiency
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Recycling
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Waterwise business
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Waterwise council
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Waterwise school
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Water professional
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Young water professional
Nominations close on Friday September 7, 2012 and winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Friday November 23, 2012. To find out more about the WA Water Awards or to download a nomination kit, go to http://www.awa.asn.au/awards/wa.
Fact File
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The Australian Water Association is an independent group representing water professionals and organisations around Australia. Winners will automatically be entered into the 2012 Australian Water Association National Award category
Minister's office - 6552 6800
Final management plan released for Shark Bay
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Plan to guide Shark Bay management for next 10 years
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Includes a series of upgrades and new visitor facilities
A new plan to guide the management of Western Australia's magnificent World Heritage-listed Shark Bay area was released today.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion said the Shark Bay Terrestrial Reserves and Proposed Reserve Additions Management Plan 2012 set out a strategy for the next 10 years.
"Shark Bay is one of the State's most biologically significant areas. It is also a tourism hotspot attracting more than 115,000 visitors a year," he said.
"The natural, cultural and social values found in Shark Bay offer a range of nature-based tourism and recreation opportunities for visitors who are attracted to the remote and natural qualities of the area.
"The area's diverse features and attractions include the internationally-renowned dolphins at Monkey Mia Reserve; Dirk Hartog Island National Park, where Europeans first landed in Western Australia; Steep Point, which is mainland Australia's western-most point; Francois Peron National Park; and Shell Beach Conservation Park.
"The final management plan includes a series of upgrades and new visitor facilities for nature-based activities and also outlines strategies to manage the area's landforms and flora and fauna, including threatened species on the islands and peninsulas."
The management plan replaces the current Shark Bay Terrestrial Reserves Management Plan 2000-2009 and copies of the new plan are available at the Department of Environment and Conservation's (DEC) Geraldton and Denham offices or online at http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/landmanagementplanning.
Fact File
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The natural heritage of the area makes it one of only 19 sites in the world that meet all four natural criteria for World Heritage listing
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The new management plan will see the area of land set aside as reserves in the region increase from 125,000ha to 520,000ha
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DEC prepared the plan on behalf of the Conservation Commission of WA in consultation with the local community and stakeholders
Minister's office - 6552 6800
Mass whale migration begins off WA coast
- Migrating humpback whales head north
- Community encouraged to report whale incidents
- New educational resource about whale rescues released
Environment Minister Bill Marmion today marked the start of the annual humpback whale migration along the Western Australian coast with the release of a new children's book about whale rescues.
Mr Marmion said the release of Deepsea Whale Rescue was timely as wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) had already received several early reports of whales along the coast including a pod of killer whales off Rottnest Island last month.
"The 13,000km round-trip taken annually by humpback whales from Antarctica to warmer waters in WA's north can take its toll on some animals because they use up a lot of energy during their journey. This usually results in many whale stranding incidents," he said.
"If anyone sees a distressed, injured, beached or entangled whale, it is important to keep a safe distance from the animal, particularly as they can weigh in excess of 40 tonnes.
"DEC has a small group of highly skilled wildlife officers who respond to a number of humpback whale stranding and entanglement incidents each year. Last year the team responded to eight entangled and 17 beached humpback whales."
The Minister said DEC was the only registered training organisation in Australia which delivered a nationally accredited unit of competence in relation to large whale disentanglement.
"These wildlife officers are internationally renowned and WA is very lucky to have such skilled professionals to assist with whale incidents, which can be extremely complex and dangerous," he said.
"Their fantastic work over the years inspired the story for Deepsea Whale Rescue, which helps to raise awareness about the various challenges whales face on their annual migration. The book has been distributed to almost 3,000 schools nationwide and is a valuable educational resource for children."
Fact File
- The west coast population of humpback whales is currently estimated at 28,800
- Information brochures about whales and stranding incidents are available on the DEC website at http://www.dec.wa.gov.au
- Deepsea Whale Rescue was written by Jan Ramage and illustrated by Mark Wilson. The book is available from most bookshops and DEC
- Anyone who sees an injured, entangled or beached humpback whale should immediately contact DEC's Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055
Minister's office - 6552 6800
Alcoa granted more time to expand refinery
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Alcoa given more time to expand Wagerup Alumina Refinery
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New noise limits also approved
Alcoa has been granted a five-year extension to expand its Wagerup Alumina Refinery, Environment Minister Bill Marmion announced today.
Subject to stringent environmental conditions, the expansion of the existing refinery to a maximum production capacity of 4.7 million tonnes per annum was approved in September 2006.
However, implementation has not substantially commenced due in part to the impact of the global financial crisis. The Minister asked the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to review Alcoa's application to extend the time limit.
"The EPA recommended that as the environmental factors of the proposal had not significantly changed and no new factors had emerged since the initial approval, the time limit be extended a further five years," Mr Marmion said.
"In making my decision, I also consulted with the ministers for Health, State Development and Mines and Petroleum."
Mr Marmion said prior to construction, Alcoa would still require a Works Approval from the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).
"Further public consultation will be undertaken by the DEC as part of the assessment process prior to a Works Approval and an amended licence being issued," he said.
Under regulation 17 of the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997, the EPA also recommended the Minister approve a variation of the allowable level of noise emissions from the refinery for a two-year period in which Alcoa must use its 'best endeavours' to purchase the remaining noise-affected properties.
"This approval sets noise limits at several residential locations surrounding the refinery and is based on Alcoa's commitment to not increase its noise emissions if the expansion proceeds," Mr Marmion said.
Fact File
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The Office of the Environmental Protection Authority will monitor Alcoa's compliance with the conditions of Ministerial Statement 728
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Alcoa must also comply with the conditions of its current Part V licence monitored by the DEC
Minister's office - 6552 6800
Little Penguins have new home at Perth Zoo
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Perth Zoo penguins return to exhibit following major renovation works
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Works include infrastructure upgrade and new boardwalk
Perth Zoo's popular penguin colony has returned to the public eye following a major renovation of the zoo's Australian Wetlands and Penguin Plunge exhibits.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion today welcomed the penguins back to their home and encouraged visitors to come and see the Little Penguins in their upgraded facilities.
"The netting covering the Australian Wetlands and Penguin Plunge exhibits was severely damaged in the hail storm that battered Perth in March 2010," Mr Marmion said.
"A dedicated effort by staff after the storm helped stitch the netting back temporarily but it was too badly broken to remain long term.
"With State Government funding of $1.6million, the entire overhead netting and supporting infrastructure was replaced and additional work also done on a new visitor boardwalk, landscaping, water filtration systems and work on the penguin pool.
"During construction, the penguins spent several months at Melbourne Zoo where they were housed in a spare exhibit. The penguins are a favourite at Perth Zoo and I am sure visitors will welcome their return."
The Australian Wetlands and Penguin Plunge exhibits are now open with a special penguin keeper talk and feed happening every day at 11am.
Fact File
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The Australian Wetlands and Penguin Plunge exhibits feature 20 bird species including Little Penguins, Black Swan and Brolga
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Little Penguins found in coastal regions around southern Australia and NZ
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This is the first renovation of these exhibits undertaken since the Australian Wetlands opened in 1997 and the Penguin Plunge in 1999
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The Australian Wetlands exhibit reopened in February 2012
Minister's office - 6552 6800
Perup plan to protect conservation reserves
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Minister releases final management plan for Perup
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Plan includes protection for internationally significant wetlands
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Management area includes 2 national parks and 17 nature reserves
A final management plan for parks and reserves in the Perup area of the South-West will cover an area of almost 107,000ha and protect the internationally recognised Muir-Byenup wetlands.
The plan covers the Greater Kingston and Lake Muir national parks and 17 nature reserves, including Lake Muir and Tone-Perup nature reserves.
Launching the plan today, Environment Minister Bill Marmion said the Muir-Byenup wetlands were internationally recognised under the Ramsar Convention, a treaty that was first signed in Iran in 1971.
"The pristine Muir-Byenup Ramsar site contains the largest natural sedgelands in Western Australia and is also a significant refuge for 35 migratory bird species," Mr Marmion said.
"The area is also known for its flora and fauna, as one of the last remaining strongholds of the threatened woylie, numbat, tammar, phascogale, Muir's corella, Australasian bittern and Balston's pygmy perch."
The Minister said the planning area encompassed regionally-significant visitor facilities including the Perup - Nature's Guesthouse facility and Lake Muir Observatory, with the majority of visitor use being low-impact recreation such as day trips for bushwalking, eco-education, bird watching and nature photography.
"Also of great importance are the Aboriginal sites of mythological, ceremonial, cultural and spiritual significance, and other Australian cultural heritage sites associated with early settlement, agriculture and forestry," he said.
"The plan outlines conservation, visitor services and community involvement management strategies for the next 10 years, in order to reflect a balance between conservation and recreation and incorporate the interests of the community."
The plan was prepared by the Department of Conservation and Environment on behalf of the Conservation Commission of WA following extensive community consultation over the past three years, including eight community workshops, two of which were with native title claimants.
Fact File
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Draft plan received 250 public submissions, of which 212 were pro forma submissions
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The plan is available at http://www.dec.wa.gov.au
Minister's office - 6552 6800
Photograph caption: DEC's Warren region staff show Environment Minister Bill Marmion the final Perup Management plan
Revamp for Mirima National Park
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Work under way to improve access in Mirima National Park
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Environment Minister inspects progress of upgrades to boardwalk
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Revamp to the park will be rolled out in three stages
Revitalisation work has started at Mirima National Park in the Kimberley to improve visitor access and allow sightseers to get up close to the spectacular rock formations.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion recently inspected stage one of the revamp, which includes the construction of a raised boardwalk, giving visitors a closer look at the park's distinct geology.
"Mirima National Park is located on the outskirts of Kununurra and is the gateway to the East Kimberley," Mr Marmion said.
"Mirima attracted nearly 27,000 visits during 2010-11. Upgrading the walk platforms, lookouts and tracks will provide improved access into the park for all, including people with disabilities or restricted mobility and parents with prams.
"The park is popular for sightseeing, walking, photography and nature observation and we want to ensure it can be enjoyed by everyone."
The Minister said the upgrades, which will be rolled out in three stages, were expected to be completed by 2015.
"It is anticipated that the first stage will be finished by mid-June. This work will cost about $130,000 and was funded through the Department of Environment and Conservation's (DEC) park capital improvement program," he said.
"The work is being carried out by DEC's Miriuwung Gajerrong rangers and other operations staff."
Fact File
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Mirima is the name given to the area by the Miriuwung people, who live in the region and consider it to be especially significant to their culture
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Mirima National Park is also known as the 'Hidden Valley'
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Stage 2 of the upgrades will involve improving the design of the lookouts throughout the park
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Stage 3 involves upgrading the walk trail from the car park to make it more accessible
Minister's office - 6552 6800
Photograph caption: Environment Minister Bill Marmion with DEC officers working on the boardwalk
Construction starts at drainage reserve
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$375,000 drainage project enters final construction phase
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Aim to cut nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering the Canning River
Minister condemns river rubbish
- Tonnes of rubbish being dumped in the river
- Minister urges the community to report offenders
Mr Marmion said 14 tonnes of rubbish was retrieved from the Riverpark by Swan River Trust officers last financial year and a similar amount was accruing this year.
"That's on top of the rubbish picked up by councils and community groups and it has to stop," he said.
"We're pulling everything from couches and fridges to safes, tyres and shopping trolleys out of the river.
"Equally disturbing is the amount of plastic bags, bait boxes and discarded fishing line dropped by people who are using the river for fishing. Their actions can have potentially devastating impacts on the river wildlife, including dolphins."
Some of the larger items retrieved by the trust last year included 48 shopping trolleys, 46 tyres, 51 chairs and 20 pallets or crates.
"Recently, we pulled a dumped motorbike from the river and whoever did that clearly gave no thought to the polluting impact of the oil and petrol leaking out," the Minister said.
"If you measured all the discarded fishing line we find, it would stretch for kilometres. The river is an amazing asset and millions of dollars are spent each year on initiatives to protect and maintain it.
"The issue of rubbish is everyone's responsibility and I encourage anyone who sees items being dumped to report it to the trust."
The trust can impose $200 on the spot fines for littering but it needs the public to report offenders immediately. For more serious offences, people caught dumping rubbish in waterways can be fined up to $62,500 under environmental protection laws enacted last year.
- 14 tonnes of general refuse and 186 large items were removed from the water and foreshores by Swan River Trust officers last year
- To report rubbish being dumped, contact the Swan River Trust on 9278 0900
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Post: PO Box 49, West Perth WA 6872
