The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has recommended conditional approval for the Pardoo Irrigated Agriculture Project-Stage 3 in the Pilbara, in its report on the proposal released today.
EPA Chair Dr Tom Hatton said that after careful consideration of Pardoo Beef Corporation Pty Ltd’s centre-pivot irrigation proposal, he found the environmental impacts could be managed through conditions recommended by the Authority as well as the company’s Environmental Management Plan.
“This is the third irrigated agriculture proposal assessed and recommended for approval by the Authority so far this year,” Dr Hatton said.
“The Pardoo proposal was assessed on its unique environmental impacts, particularly on the Ramsar Eighty Mile Beach, the Greater Bilby and the Brush-tailed Mulgara, significant flora found within the development envelope, as well as impacts to surrounding social values.
“We have concluded that the project can be managed to minimise the impact on environmental values in the area.”
The Pardoo Irrigated Agriculture Project – Stage 3 proposes to develop a centre-pivot irrigated feed-crop production facility at Pardoo Station. It includes a development envelope of up to 368 hectares (ha), comprising of 280 ha of clearing for infrastructure such as fencing, pipelines, bores, water pipes, laydown area and roads and 88 ha of fenced paddock for cattle containment.
Other irrigated agriculture proposals assessed so far this year were Shamrock Station Irrigation Project and Carlton Plain Stage 1. Gogo Station Irrigation Agriculture Development is still under assessment.
The EPA’s report to the Minister for Environment is now open for a two-week public appeal period, closing 27th June, 2018. Appeals can be made at www.appealsconvenor.wa.gov.au
The Minister for Environment will make the final decision.
EPA Report 1617 is available at www.epa.wa.gov.au
ENDS
EPA Media Contact: Vivienne Ryan 0400 866 450
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