❓ Hon Amanda Dorn questions the Minister for the Environment regarding the EPA's recommendation to approve the Bennett Resources Valhalla fracking project, specifically concerning water resource protection and threatened species. The Minister defers comment due to an ongoing appeals process.

Black Mountain Energy Valhalla project—Radioactive material41.Hon Amanda Dornto theMinister for the Environment:I refer to the Environmental Protection Authority's recommendation to approve the Bennett Resources Valhalla fracking project in the Kimberley.(1) Will the minister seek advice on why the EPA's recommendation diverges from federal expert concerns about protecting water resources in the national heritage–listed Martuwarra Fitzroy River catchment and, if not, why not?(2) What assessment has the minister made of EPA report 1800's adequacy in addressing threats to threatened species, including the greater bilby, Gouldian finch and the freshwater sawfish?

Hon Matthew Swinbourn replied:I thank the member for some notice of the question.(1)–(2) The role of the independent Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is to assess proposals under part IV of theEnvironmental Protection Act 1986and to provide advice and recommendations to me as Minister for the Environment.Once the EPA publishes its report and recommendations, the proposal is subject to a statutory public appeals process administered by the independent Appeals Convenor.The EPA's report 1800 was open to appeal until 10 February 2026 and appeals were received. As the appeals process is now underway, it is inappropriate for me to comment further or pre-empt the outcome of that independent process.Following the conclusion of the appeals process, I will consider the EPA's report and recommendations, the report and recommendations of the Appeals Convenor and any other relevant advice before making a determination. Black Mountain Energy Valhalla project—Radioactive material