Mr BAYLEY – Minister, through you, I have a question for the director. Director, Mine Watch Meander Valley is a local community environmental protection group committed to protecting the natural values of the Meander Valley region from inappropriate developments, including ABx’s bauxite mine at Reedy Marsh. The EPA has lodged a notice in the Supreme Court to appeal a decision made by TASCAT to allow Mine Watch to be joined as a party to appeal the Meander Valley Council’s approval of the permit for the bauxite mine.
Now, I completely appreciate that you can’t comment on the specifics of the case. However, Mine Watch Meander Valley is a community group that’s dedicated to protecting the environment and its president is an appellant and its members made submissions. I’m just keen to understand why on earth the Environmental Protection Authority is appealing to the Supreme Court to try to block a community organisation from being joined to an environmental appeal. The appeal is already being taken by the proponent and by an individual who happens to be the president of Mine Watch Meander Valley. What is in it for the EPA to prosecute this appeal and block this community group from being party to the appeal?
Ms OGILVIE – Mr Bayley, before we start – I’m very happy to refer it and have a free flow of conversation, but you and all of us here would be aware that matters before the courts ‑ we’re very careful about commentary regarding that.
Mr BAYLEY – I’m after motivation more than anything, minister.
Ms OGILVIE – Yes, I just think you went through quite a lot of detail about the court action as well. I’ll just put that caveat on it, then allow the question to flow through.
Ms MURDOCH – Through you, minister. As outlined and as you know, I cannot comment on an active case. As to motivation, the motivation is law, of course, and it’s land use planning and things appropriately. The motivation is all about in law and in regards to appropriate processes. I cannot comment further. It’s currently, as you’ve said, in court. There’s no motivation except for absolute legalities –
Mr BAYLEY – Purely upholders of the law? You know, you disagree with TASCAT’s – you don’t have to take an appeal.
Ms OGILVIE – Through me, Mr Bayley, if you wouldn’t mind. Is there a second question, or –
Mr BAYLEY – The second question to this, minister, is how much has the EPA budgeted to prosecute this appeal in the Supreme Court?
Ms MURDOCH – Through you, minister. I don’t have any figure on that.
Mr BAYLEY – A blank cheque to prosecute – to try to block –
CHAIR – Mr Garland.
Mr BAYLEY – Really? A community group from participating in an appeal of a mine –
CHAIR – Mr Bayley, please. Mr Garland has the call.
