- The Environment Minister requests Environmental Protection Authority advice about how current and future water demand may impact ecosystems in West Pilbara
- State Government acknowledges Traditional Owners' concerns about future of ecosystems dependent on the Millstream aquifer
- Request for advice complements existing government strategies to balance water supply demands with environmental protection
The Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn has exercised his powers to request the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) provide advice on the potential environmental and cultural impacts of current and future water abstraction in the West Pilbara.
The EPA's advice will assist the Cook Labor Government to safeguard the West Pilbara's long-term water future and protect its environmental and cultural values.
Climate patterns in the region over the past decade have shown a decline in rainfall, leading to reduced aquifer recharge and falling groundwater, putting pressure on nearby ecosystems.
The Cook Government is already acting to reduce groundwater abstraction in the region including planning for a new water source to cater for regional demand, conducting ecological studies and monitoring, and developing water supply strategies for local communities and industry.
Minister Swinbourn's request to the EPA calls for a comprehensive examination of:
- the current state of key environmental and cultural values of the Millstream aquifer and other ecosystems that may be impacted by abstraction for the West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme;
- potential impacts on those values posed by existing and future abstraction;
- regulation and mitigation of those potential impacts;
- ecological studies and monitoring that may need to be expanded to underpin future decision-making; and
- the existing regulatory framework that applies to seawater desalination.
The Minister has also made clear his expectation that Traditional Owners, government agencies, industry, and local communities will be closely engaged throughout the review.
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"Traditional Owners, the Yindjibarndi people, have made clear their deep cultural and spiritual connection to the Millstream Country and their concern about how future water use might affect it. I respect and share those concerns.
"The region's communities, unique ecosystems, and nationally significant industries all rely on a clear, long-term understanding of our groundwater resources.
"That is why I have requested the Environmental Protection Authority to undertake this review - so government has the most complete, science-based picture of cumulative impacts and future demand."
As stated by Water Minister Don Punch:
"I welcome this strategic review and the opportunity it will provide to help the Cook Government to maximise the impact of our ongoing water security work across West Pilbara.
"The State Government is fast-tracking water planning in the region, helping to drive regional growth and to enable better understanding of how water resources are responding to climate change.
"This includes improving the quality and availability of water data, with real-time monitoring infrastructure, such as telemetry systems and groundwater bores."
