❓ Mr. Eatts questions the governance and environmental oversight of the Westport project, focusing on independent reviews, data transparency, accountability, ecological monitoring, and dolphin population protection. The government response outlines existing mechanisms and processes for environmental assessment, monitoring, and remediation.

I refer to governance and oversight of the Westport project, and I ask:(a) What independent scientific advisory panels have been established to review environmental risk associated with the project;(b) Will all environmental modelling, baseline data and impact assessments be made publicly available prior to final approval decisions;(c) What accountability mechanisms exist should irreversible ecological harm occur;(d) Has the Government established a long-term ecological monitoring fund associated with the project; and(e) What provisions exist for remediation if measurable population decline of dolphins is detected post-construction?

(a)-(e)  Westport has established several independent scientific advisory and peer-review mechanisms, including the Western Australian Marine Studies Institute Westport Marine Science Program and specialist panels reviewing environmental impacts and hydrodynamic modelling. The project’s environmental assessment is being undertaken under both State and Commonwealth legislation, with Public Environmental Review/Report processes ensuring public access to modelling, baseline studies and impact assessments. Westport is subject to enforceable environmental approval conditions, compliance monitoring and regulatory oversight. Monitoring requirements will be determined through the approvals process. Remediation and adaptive management provisions will be set through State and Commonwealth environmental approvals, supported by ongoing marine science research and post-construction monitoring obligations.