2017-02-22
The snap senate inquiry into the continuation of construction of the Perth Freight Link in the face of significant environmental breaches will hold a public hearing tomorrow.
Australian Greens Co-Deputy Leader and Senator for Western Australia Scott Ludlam will hold a press conference during the lunch break at 12:45pm.
Senator Ludlam will also be available for comment at the conclusion of the hearings.
“This hearing is an opportunity for Senators to hear from community groups and other observers on the ground that have witnessed first-hand dozens of breaches of the environmental conditions this project was supposed to adhere to.
“But it’s disappointing that once again the state government is not fronting up to defend their nonsensical project. They deliver empty platitudes about best-practice environmental protections, but refuse to subject themselves to any scrutiny. They’ve surrendered their right of reply. We can only assume they have no answer to the community groups recording these failures.
WHO: Australian Greens Deputy Leader Senator Scott Ludlam
Community groups and witnesses called to give evidence to the inquiry may also be available for comment.
WHERE: the Orelia Room, Mercure Hotel, 10 Irwin Street, Perth
WHEN: 12:45pm Thursday February 23rd
The full list of witnesses appearing before the inquiry is below:
|
Time |
Witness |
|
11.30 am |
Coolbellup Concerned Residents Ms Alison Wright
Mr Bob Bryant
Rethink the Link Campaign Ms Kim Dravnieks
Save Beeliar Wetlands Ms Kate Kelly
Wetlands Watchers Ms Phoebe Corke, Coordinator Mr Andrew Joske |
|
12.30 pm |
Lunch |
|
1.15 pm |
City of Cockburn Cr Logan Howlett, Mayor
City of Fremantle Dr Brad Pettitt, Mayor |
|
1.45 pm |
Department of the Environment and Energy Mr Dean Knudson, Deputy Secretary, Environment Protection Group Mr Matt Cahill, First Assistant Secretary, Environment Standards Division Ms Monica Collins, Assistant Secretary, Compliance and Enforcement Mr Bruce Edwards, Assistant Secretary, Assessments (WA, SA, NT) and Air Branch Mr Simon Writer, General Counsel (by teleconference) Mr Alex Taylor, Acting Director, Monitoring Assurance Section, Environment Standards Division (by teleconference) |
|
2.45 pm |
Break |
|
2.55 pm |
Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre Ms Denise Crosbie
Native Arc Mr Bob Dunn |
|
3.35 pm |
Professor John Bailey (via teleconference) Dr Hugh Finn Professor Richard Hobbs |
|
4.20 pm |
To be confirmed |
|
5.00 pm |
Adjournment |