wa government question time 181007

Question On Notice No. 2855 asked in the Legislative Assembly on 18 October 2007 by Mr D.T. Redman

Question Directed to the: Minister for the Environment
Minister responding: Hon D.A. Templeman
Parliament: 37 Session: 1


QUESTION
I refer to the Mitchell Plateau area of the West Kimberley, specifically to the conservation values of this most pristine area, and ask:

(a) what is the current conservation status of the Mitchell Plateau area;

(b) can the Minister confirm if the Mitchell Plateau is home to a very unique variety, or form, of Livistona palm;

(c) are there any valid mining tenements or Government mining agreements relating to the Mitchell Plateau; and
(i) if so, and in the context of any potential future mining activity in this area, what is the Minister doing to ensure the conservation values of the Livistona palm are preserved;

(d) is the Minister aware of a local push to have the conservation status of the Mitchell Plateau secured to protect its most unique flora and fauna;

(e) will the Minister be making recommendations in respect to the future conservation status of this area; and
(i) if so, what recommendations will the Minister be making?


Hide details for Answer
Answered on 15 November 2007



(a) The Mitchell Plateau area comprises a variety of tenures, including unallocated Crown land, a number of conservation reserves (Mitchell River National Park, Prince Regent Nature Reserve, Lawley River National Park, Drysdale River National Park, Laterite Conservation Park, Camp Creek Conservation Park), Aboriginal lands and pastoral lands.

(b) The Livistona eastonii fan palm community of the Mitchell Plateau is the only palm-dominated landscape in Western Australia.

(c) Mining tenement TR 70/5610 was granted in 1972. There are no current plans for mining before Government.

(c) (i) Not applicable.

(d) Yes.

(e) I will consider the future conservation status of this area at an appropriate time, including if a proposal is put before me or in the event of any proposals for mining or other development that are referred under the Environmental Protection Act.

(i) Not applicable.

THOUGHTS?