Mr. Hunter raises concerns about South 32's bauxite mining near Boddington, questioning the Minister for Water on groundwater and salinity impacts on farmland and forests, seeking investigations, mitigation, and community engagement.

⏳ Awaiting AnswerQoN 2061Legislative Assembly
Asked
14 April 2026
Portfolio: Water

Question

I refer to South 32's bauxite mining operations near Boddington and report of changes to groundwater levels and salinity which are adversely impacting surrounding farmland and protected forest areas and I ask:(a) is the Minister aware of these reports and concerns raised by local landholders and stakeholders;(b) what investigations/testing is currently underway into groundwater and salinity levels in the areas surrounding the mine or in the general Boddington area;(c) will these investigations/tests include reviewing long term historical records and independents monitoring of water and salinity levels in the affected area;(d) if investigations/testing is currently underway, what results or findings have been identified to date;(e) will the Government commit to independent monitoring and verification of water levels and salinity, separate from any proponent-led assessments;(f) what specific measures will be taken to mitigate or reverse any identified impacts on agricultural land and protected forest areas;(g) has the Government considered compensation or remediation frameworks for affected landholders, and if so, what do these include;(h) what engagement has occurred with local communities, landholders and environmental groups regarding these concerns; and(i) will the Minister table any reports, data or findings arising from these investigations? I refer to South 32's bauxite mining operations near Boddington and report of changes to groundwater levels and salinity which are adversely impacting surrounding farmland and protected forest areas and I ask: (a) is the Minister aware of these reports and concerns raised by local landholders and stakeholders; (b) what investigations/testing is currently underway into groundwater and salinity levels in the areas surrounding the mine or in the general Boddington area; (c) will these investigations/tests include reviewing long term historical records and independents monitoring of water and salinity levels in the affected area; (d) if investigations/testing is currently underway, what results or findings have been identified to date; (e) will the Government commit to independent monitoring and verification of water levels and salinity, separate from any proponent-led assessments; (f) what specific measures will be taken to mitigate or reverse any identified impacts on agricultural land and protected forest areas; (g) has the Government considered compensation or remediation frameworks for affected landholders, and if so, what do these include; (h) what engagement has occurred with local communities, landholders and environmental groups regarding these concerns; and (i) will the Minister table any reports, data or findings arising from these investigations?

Answer

This question is awaiting a response from the Minister.

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