Ms BADGER question to MINISTER for PARKS and ENVIRONMENT, Mr DUIGAN
The Derwent Valley community has for years raised concerns about the dumping of waste as a commercial activity near the Plenty River. Their concerns were proven right when, in 2020, a waste spill caused the death of thousands of fish. This came just months after another uncontrolled spill. Jenkins Hire were fined for the 2020 incident. Since then, at least two more environmental protection notices have been issued to Jenkins Hire.
Despite these repeat breaches, the company have been allowed to keep dumping waste on the property in close proximity to an important waterway. The community have pointed out that this practice is a particular risk in extreme rainfall events like the one we have just had. As such, circumstances could again lead to huge quantities of waste being washed into the river.
Since the recent Derwent Valley flooding, has the EPA undertaken any assessment or testing of the Jenkins property or of the Plenty River area? If they have not, will you step up and ensure that this happens?
ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, I thank the member for the question, noting the importance of protecting our waterways from pollutants and other things that potentially find their way into them during events such as the one that we have just experienced in Tasmania. I note that it is relatively shortly after that flooding event on the Derwent, and I am advised that the EPA is currently investigating the matter. I do not have a great level of detail as to where that investigation is up to at the present time, but I am happy to take that one on notice and provide you with a full update at a later time.
The SPEAKER – Can I just confirm, minister, that you are providing an answer on notice?
Mr DUIGAN – Yes, we will provide it on notice.
