Page 838 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 2 May 2007
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Ridge by removing rock stumps and native vegetation and levelling uneven ground. Many residents are concerned at this proposal, which includes removing possible endangered legless lizard habitat by the removal of rocks, which is usually illegal but, as we know, the strategic bushfire management plan, however, overrides those laws. Apparently, there is little fuel on the ridge at present, so it does not seem critical to do that.
There has been no consultation with the Cooleman Ridge Park Care Group, and a private company has been given the job of bulldozing the rocks and ground, as well as running the so-called public consultation process. Could the minister please explain what the government’s policy is regarding the need to ensure that public consultation is undertaken by a separate entity from the private company that is contracted to undertake, and therefore benefit from, the consultation process?
Mrs Dunne: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I think Dr Foskey just asked the minister to announce what government policy is. Unless it is pre-existing policy I think the question is out of order.
DR FOSKEY: Don’t you want to know, Mrs Dunne?
Mrs Dunne: I just want you to ask in-order questions.
MR SPEAKER: I think she asked for an explanation.
Mr Mulcahy: No. She asked for policy.
DR FOSKEY: Could you please explain why it is that the public consultation is being carried out by the same company that is contracted to undertake the actual bulldozing?
MR SPEAKER: That’s fair enough.
Mrs Dunne: That is a rephrasing of the question, Mr Speaker. That was not the original question.
MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, I am sorry, after such a long intro, to say that this matter does not fall within my portfolio area. Matters of fuel and hazard reduction are undertaken by the relevant land manager. The relevant land manager in this case is part of the environment portfolio and I would refer the question to the Chief Minister.
DR FOSKEY: Thank you for handing it on so graciously, Mr Corbell.
MR STANHOPE: I thank Dr Foskey for the question. It is important that we do understand the basis on which the very important work of bushfire abatement and protection of our urban areas, and indeed of all of our property from bushfire, is undertaken. The department and the government seek always, Dr Foskey, to involve communities in issues around fire abatement or protection work that will be undertaken in any particular area.
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