Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:06:38 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Researchers looking into dolphin deaths in Bunbury inner waters http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132803 Content:

Environment Minister Donna Faragher and Water Minister Graham Jacobs today met Murdoch University researchers and departmental officials regarding the release of an initial research report into the deaths of eight dolphins in the Bunbury inner waters during the past two years.

 

Murdoch researchers Dr Lars Bejder and Dr Hugh Finn have begun re-investigating the deaths of the dolphins, either found or presumed dead. The Ministers were advised the report found no trend in the timing or cause of the deaths and gathered tissue samples had been sent for further analysis.

 

Mrs Faragher said this information was important given advice she had received of some similarities with the six dolphin deaths in the Swan River this year.  

 

“Being presented with information directly from the researchers responsible for the study programs has been invaluable in looking at the overall health of dolphins that live in inlets and in waterways that abut metropolitan areas,” Mrs Faragher said.

 

“While the exact cause of the deaths in the Swan Canning Riverpark and the Bunbury inner waters are still not clear, we know through this research that a number of factors need to be investigated and we need to analyse the data from similar research programs conducted throughout Australia and internationally.”

 

Dr Jacobs said the research had the capacity to identify a potential problem affecting the State’s dolphin population.

 

“The research clearly states that we need to better understand the health of our estuarine and coastal marine animals,” Dr Jacobs said.

 

“This understanding has not previously been available and I look forward to working with the Environment Minister and researchers to ensure we have it in future.”   

 

The report can be obtained through Murdoch University’s website at http://www.murdoch.edu.au or by contacting Tanyia Maxted on 9360 2491.   

 

Environment Minister's office - 9213 7250 

Water Minister's office - 9213 6900
Date: 19/11/2009
Minister: Faragher;Jacobs
Portfolio: Environment;Water
Region: South West
]]> Arbouin, Shane Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:31:29 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132803 Whales and sea life to be researched and monitored off Binningup http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132771 Content:

Comprehensive marine research and monitoring in the sea off Binningup could provide a blueprint for similar studies at the State Government’s proposed major gas precinct near James Point in the Kimberley.

 

Water Minister Graham Jacobs said the research, undertaken by Murdoch and Curtin universities and Western Whale Research (WWR), would increase knowledge of the marine environment off the Binningup and Myalup coast and gauge effects of the Southern Seawater Desalination Project.

 

“Today’s announcement of new comprehensive marine research in the Binningyup area will provide a vast amount of knowledge about sea life and will be supported by existing research already undertaken by Murdoch University during the past three years, in concert with Bunbury’s Dolphin Discovery Centre,” Dr Jacobs said.

 

“This gives the project access to additional dolphin population data to the south of the current project’s 30km research area between Binningup and Preston Beach.”

 

The project also draws on more than 10 years of data obtained by WWR and Curtin University’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology (CMST) on the presence and movement of whales in south-western Australia.

 

Murdoch University’s Cetacean Research Unit has started to obtain data on habitat use and the abundance of dolphins and the seasonal presence or absence of whales, penguins, seals, sea lions and turtles.

 

CMST has deployed a sea noise logger near the site of the proposed ocean outfall diffusers which will collect 200-second samples of sea noise every 15 minutes across two years.

 

WWR will co-ordinate an onshore community marine monitoring and training program using interested community members, trained to undertake long-term, land-based surveying.

 

“The combination of Murdoch and Curtin universities scientific activity, with community involvement through WWR, will establish clear baseline information to allow for future comparisons, which makes this project so worthwhile and why the Government views it as a forerunner for studies near James Point,” the Minister said.

 

Dr Jacobs said he was pleased the Water Corporation had initiated the research and monitoring program outside of the desalination project’s required environmental approvals process. He was confident the results would benefit the Kimberley.

 

“The scientific research will allow for a future comparison of data from before and after the implementation of the Southern Seawater Desalination Project and any impacts the project might have on a variety of sea creatures,” he said.

 

“Similar preliminary studies and information gathering will be needed as the Kimberley gas precinct progresses.”

 

Minister's office - 9213 6900
Date: 12/11/2009
Minister: Jacobs
Portfolio: Water
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:41:19 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132771 Water allocation plan continues Gnangara management plan http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132763 Content:

Progress in ensuring the health and sustainability of the Gnangara groundwater system will continue with today’s release of a new allocation plan by Water Minister Graham Jacobs.

 

In announcing the finalisation and public release of the ‘Gnangara groundwater areas water allocation plan’, Dr Jacobs said successful management programs led by the Department of Water had seen the groundwater system’s health recover and stabilise in the past four years.

 

“The Gnangara system has been, and remains, Perth’s biggest single source of good quality, fresh groundwater and, because of that, the pressure on it as a resource has been massive,” he said.

 

“System levels are the best they have been in four years, which demonstrates the vital water source has stabilised and is recovering.

 

“Given there has been variable rainfall over that period of time, this shows management decisions embodied in this plan are not only sound but having an impact.”

 

The Minister said consistent efforts to reduce consumption had contributed significantly to the very important stabilisation and recovery of the groundwater system’s health.

 

Dr Jacobs said the ‘Gnangara groundwater areas water allocation plan’ reflected the imperative to tightly manage the system as current high demand for water and reduced rainfall placed it under pressure.

 

“The Gnangara groundwater system is now almost fully allocated across all areas, meaning there are limited opportunities for new groundwater licences,” he said.

 

“The plan reflects the directions of the draft Gnangara Sustainability Strategy and has three main aims:  to take less water from the system overall; encourage individuals to use water more efficiently; and maintain a secure supply for current and future development, while protecting the environment.

 

“It sets the balance between taking groundwater for short term use, and retaining it to maintain the ecology, meet social and cultural needs, and provide for future public and private use.  It sets out the available water, policy for management and licensing rules for all groundwater users.

 

“Timely allocation decisions made through this plan mean that we have been able to prevent more serious impacts on the water resources.”

 

The Minister said the aquifers of the Gnangara system - the Gnangara Mound, Mirrabooka, Leederville and Yarragadee - supported horticulture and turf industries, plantations, parks and gardens and, importantly, public water supply.  About 40 per cent of the groundwater pumped from the system was for the Integrated Water Supply Scheme which currently represented more than half of its total supply.

 

“All of these uses are important and security of water supply for existing users is assured for the life of the plan,” Dr Jacobs said.

 

“There will be no large reductions in water entitlements but all current and future water users will be expected to conserve water, use water more efficiently, and effectively manage the impacts of their water use.”

 

The Department of Water’s director general Kim Taylor said the department had reduced the amount of water available for abstraction by just greater than 10 per cent.  For example, the Water Corporation’s draw from the Gnangara system would be cut from 137 GL to about 110 GL this year.

 

“Limiting the total draw of groundwater will help to protect natural systems across the whole area and impact zones will restrict bores from operating close to important wetlands,” Mr Taylor said.

 

“Drawing the bulk of the scheme water from the deeper aquifers will help to protect wetlands dependent on the shallow groundwater.  Many of these are stressed as aquifer levels have declined over the past 30 years of low rainfall.”

 

Mr Taylor said the plan was informed by groundwater and climate information, current and future demand and stakeholder consultation.  It mapped out a management approach for the Gnangara aquifers until 2012 when an update was planned and the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant commissioning was scheduled.

 

The plan and the department’s statement of response to public comments on the plan are available on http://www.water.wa.gov.au or call 6364 7600.

 

Minister's office - 9213 6900
Date: 11/11/2009
Minister: Jacobs
Portfolio: Water
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:20:23 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132763 Work to begin in two months on Spearwood sewerage project http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132760 Content:

The State Government will call tenders from Tuesday, November 17, 2009 to begin works on infill sewerage at Spearwood.

 

Water Minister Graham Jacobs said the call for tender was possible after the Water Corporation rescheduled funding from its existing budget.

 

The Minister said actual works would commence within two months.

 

“From the moment I visited Spearwood residents in June, I have urgently been seeking a strategy to fund the project,” he said.

 

“Many Spearwood residents have been waiting almost 40 years for sewerage to be connected to their properties and I have been acutely aware of the particular public health concerns as the ageing septic tank systems have broken down.

 

“The Department of Health prepared a confidential report for the previous Labor Health Minister in 2006, which detailed serious concerns from both a health and environmental perspective in Spearwood. However, no work had commenced on this project.

“My colleague, Deputy Premier and Health Minister Kim Hames, wrote to me last week confirming the reported concerns and indicated that these health issues have now worsened.

 

“As soon as I was made aware of these concerns, it made it even more imperative for action to be taken and, as a result, all Spearwood residents will have sewerage infill by June 2011, even in these tough economic times.”

 

This decision to build sewerage infill in Spearwood is based on concerns raised by the Health Minister. Any decisions on future infill sewerage projects will be taken in context of the 2010-11 State Budget process.

 

Minister's office - 9213 6900
 
Date: 10/11/2009
Minister: Jacobs
Portfolio: Water
Region: South Western Suburbs
]]> Arbouin, Shane Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:26:16 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132760 Parent Drug Information Service volunteers celebrate 10 years http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132739 Content:

More than 100 Western Australian parents have been recognised for their volunteer work in helping other parents affected by their children’s drug or alcohol use, Mental Health Minister Graham Jacobs said today.

 

The Volunteer Support Network was set up by the Parent Drug Information Service (PDIS) 10 years ago, after parents reported they would benefit from speaking to other parents who had been through similar experiences.

 

PDIS provides a 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week confidential telephone counselling service for parents struggling to cope with their child’s substance use.  As part of PDIS, the volunteer network is available 14-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.

 

Dr Jacobs thanked the PDIS volunteer network for 10 years of valuable community service, at a dinner held at Government House last night.

 

“The parents who volunteer with PDIS have been through the challenges and pressures associated with their own child’s drug or alcohol use, so they can offer empathy gained from real experience,” he said.

 

“They have suffered the same feelings of shame and isolation and the undermining of confidence that comes from the family structure being threatened and have chosen to use those difficult experiences to help others.”

 

PDIS is funded by the Drug and Alcohol Office (DAO), which provides a staff member to recruit, train and supervise the network’s volunteers. 

 

Acting executive director at DAO, Eric Dillon, said the volunteers offered confidential support by listening, sharing information and discussing practical coping strategies.

 

“Parents can choose to speak to a professional counsellor, a volunteer parent, or both, giving them the support network they may not have otherwise,” Mr Dillon said.

 

“It is very much about engaging with and involving parents at a grassroots level, and linking State-wide services and parent initiatives together.”

 

Parents concerned about their child’s substance use can telephone PDIS on 9442 5050 or the toll-free number 1800 653 203.

 

Minister's office - 9213 6900

Date: 5/11/2009
Minister: Jacobs
Portfolio: Mental Health
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:35:55 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132739 Water Minister rules out dams on the Denmark and Styx rivers http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132724 Content:

Water Minister Graham Jacobs said today that the damming of the Denmark and Styx rivers would not be explored any further as part of the Water Corporation’s drinking water source plans for the lower Great Southern region.

 

Dr Jacobs said Bow River would remain under consideration, along with seawater desalination and a groundwater replenishment scheme based on Marbellup Brook.

 

Bow River would remain because it was the most preferred of the dam options on wide-ranging parameters and should be explored as part of the ongoing process.

 

“Because we don’t know the very long term population for the region, what the climate will be like and many other factors, it would be irresponsible to rule out all of these options forever,” the Minister said.

 

“As far as the Styx and Denmark rivers are concerned, they will not be part of the ongoing evaluation process and the Bow River is ranked behind the desalination and groundwater options.”

 

Dr Jacobs said he had been thoroughly briefed by the Water Corporation in the past few days on all aspects of the long term regional supply options and that the Styx and Denmark rivers were to be placed further down the rankings on social, environmental and economic parameters.

 

“I indicated I did not want people in Denmark to be placed in a period of long term uncertainty and today I am acting on this to rule out the options for dams on the Styx and Denmark rivers,” he said.

 

The Minister said the Water Corporation intended presenting information on the remaining three options at a further community meeting in Denmark later this month.

 

“This decision is a recognition of the local public response to the corporation’s structured community consultation process.  The Government has decided now is the time to rule out the Styx and Denmark rivers,” he said. 

 

Dr Jacobs said local member and Agriculture Minister Terry Redman had been fully briefed on the Water Corporation’s views on the rankings for the various options and thanked him for the valuable input into the debate on the future water supply for the Denmark area.

 

Minister's office - 9213 6900
 
Date: 3/11/2009
Minister: Jacobs
Portfolio: Water
Region: Great Southern
]]> Arbouin, Shane Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:50:19 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132724 WA’s first facility for older adults with intensive psychiatric needs unveiled http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132684 Content:

Western Australia’s first psychiatric intensive care unit specially designed for older adults has been officially opened at Selby Lodge in Shenton Park by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Mental Health Helen Morton.

 

Refurbished at a cost of $108,000, the eight-bed unit is designed to suit the needs of patients with Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD).  It has two large garden areas and spacious activity rooms.

 

Ms Morton said the unit would benefit patients with BPSD by providing intensive assessment and treatment.

 

“This unit is a major gain for the people of WA and will deliver the very latest in evidence-based care for this high-risk population,” she said.

 

“It’s projected that the number of people in Australia diagnosed with dementia is on the rise from 245,000 in 2009 to 1.13 million cases by 2050, making innovative treatment facilities like this all the more important.”


Head of Selby Older Adult Mental Health Service Dr Angela McAleer said that BPSD occurs in approximately 90 per cent of those who develop dementia, and significantly affects the quality of life for patients, their families and carers.

 

“Staff has been trained in the Person Centred Care approach which was developed in the 1990s, and is widely considered to be best practice care for people with dementia,” Dr McAleer said.

 

“Patients are usually admitted from another mental health facility after exhibiting behaviours which indicate high levels of distress. 

 

“A multi-disciplinary team, consisting of nurses; doctors; psychiatrists; social workers; psychologists; occupational therapists; physiotherapists and other allied health staff, work together to observe and better understand these behaviours. 

 

“We develop care plans which aim to build on a patient’s strengths and reinforce their unique sense of self, improving their wellbeing and reducing distress.  For example, we may find that a patient is less agitated in the afternoon if they have taken part in physical activity, or listened to music, or spent some quiet time looking at old photos and reminiscing with a staff member. 

 

“We can then set up routines that are individually tailored to suit the patient.  We also give a care plan to their carer at home or care facility so that they can work according to the plan for the best outcome for patient and carer.

 

“Current treatments for dementia generally only slow the progression of this disabling illness; however, treating BPSD can really make a difference and improve the wellbeing of patients, their families and carers. 

 

“When we see that we’re able to improve a patient’s wellbeing when dementia has traditionally been considered an untreatable condition, our work is truly rewarding.”

 

The service plans to build on the existing knowledge and skill base to become a centre of excellence, contributing to training and research in the area.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 6900
Date: 26/10/2009
Minister: Jacobs
Portfolio: Mental Health
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Eastern Metropolitan;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:54:05 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132684 Wastewater project protects environment, boosts Bunbury regional economy http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132666 Content:

Water Minister Graham Jacobs today announced works to double the capacity of the Water Corporation’s Bunbury Wastewater Treatment Plant would be completed next month. 

 

Dr Jacobs, who took the opportunity to visit the treatment plant while in Bunbury for a regional meeting of State Cabinet and Parliament said the new additions would not only cater for growth in the city until 2030, but further protect the environment and reduce odour from the plant.

 

He was also pleased that the works over the past 18 months had injected more than $5million into the local economy through local labour, material supply and sub contracts.

 

“It is great that this essential project has benefitted Bunbury in so many ways. In addition to the obvious health, environmental and catering-for-growth benefits, nearly one-third of the total expenditure on this project was injected directly into the local economy,” the Minister said.

 

“This is a splendid example of the local community benefitting tangibly from an essential water infrastructure project and there is more to follow for the South-West as the Water Corporation builds our next seawater desalination plant outside Binningup over the next couple of years.” 

 

Dr Jacobs said the upgrade included works to improve nutrient removal, meaning nutrient discharged from the plant would remain within the current target limit, despite increased flow to the plant. The overall project involved construction of an additional wastewater treatment module, while an improved sludge treatment and storage system was currently being finalised.   

 

“The improvements will ensure the first-class treatment and disposal of wastewater for Bunbury and provide greater protection for health and the environment,” he said.

 

The Minister praised the Water Corporation, local school students, environmental groups and developer Satterlys for their involvement in rehabilitating a small area of land, cleared to facilitate the works.

 

Minister's office - 9213 6900
Date: 22/10/2009
Minister: Jacobs
Portfolio: Water
Region: South West
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:42:06 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132666 $1.25million to improve Vasse Wonnerup waterways http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132667 Content:

The State Government has allocated $1.25million to improve the environmental health of the Vasse Wonnerup waterways and help protect the environmental values of Geographe Bay.

 

Works recommended by the Vasse Wonnerup Water Quality Improvement Plan will commence immediately.  

 

Activities will include on-ground works to significantly reduce nutrient flow into the waterways flowing into the Vasse Wonnerup wetlands and will help protect the Geographe Bay seagrass meadows from impacts of high nutrient levels.

 

Water Minister Graham Jacobs said the health of the internationally recognised Vasse Wonnerup wetlands was a priority for the Government.

 

“The values of these waterways are significant and iconic and their health is integral to the region’s water resources, lifestyle and livelihood,” Dr Jacobs said.

 

“High nutrient loads flowing into these systems from surrounding land use has been identified as a major threat to their stability.

 

“The implementation of the water quality improvement plan will go some way to rectifying nutrient impacts because if we don’t act now, these systems will continue to suffer algal blooms and associated fish kills.”

 

The Minister said there were key aspects of the plan that would be implemented in the next 12 months.

 

“These included repairing the critical vegetation on the foreshores of the waterways that are integral to their health and reducing the damaging effects of run-off from dairy sheds and feedlots into the ecosystem,” he said.

 

“There will also be considerable effort put into reducing nutrient entry into the waterways in the form of fertilisers and other nitrogen and phosphorus rich chemicals from urban areas.

 

“This includes some important and strategic retrofitting of water sensitive urban design in existing urban areas surrounding the Vasse Wonnerup.”

 

Dr Jacobs said the Department of Water would be the agency responsible for the overall project, however delivery of project components would predominantly be undertaken by the community-based Geographe Catchment Council (Geocatch).

 

“This delivery will be managed by the well established governance and partnership arrangement that exists between the Department of Water and Geocatch with industry groups and local government,” he said.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 6900
Date: 22/10/2009
Minister: Jacobs
Portfolio: Water
Region: South West
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:00:56 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132667 Applications open for Council of Official Visitors http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132658 Content:

Mental Health Minister Graham Jacobs has encouraged suitably experienced Western Australians with an interest in mental health, and a commitment to human rights, to apply to join the Council of Official Visitors.

 

The council is an independent advocacy service for individuals being treated under the Mental Health Act 1996, or who are living in licensed psychiatric hostels.

 

Dr Jacobs said official visitors worked to ensure that the rights of individuals in mental health care were observed and that complaints were investigated and resolved.

 

“The advocacy work taken on by official visitors can be very challenging but can also be highly rewarding,” he said.

 

“Official visitors play a vital role in advocating for mental health consumers and make an enormous contribution to the lives of consumers and their families.”

 

Applications to become an official visitor are open until November 4, following which appointments for terms up to three years will be made by the Minister.

 

“The Council of Official Visitors is made up of people from the general community and while no specific qualifications are required, an understanding of mental illness and a commitment to ensuring that people receive quality care are essential,” the Minister said.

 

“Official visitors have powers of entry into all areas of authorised hospitals and hostels, and facility staff are required to assist with enquiries and follow up on complaints.”

 

For more information on the Council of Official Visitors, including details of how to apply, contact the council on 9226 3266 or 1800 999 057.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 6900
Date: 21/10/2009
Minister: Jacobs
Portfolio: Mental Health
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:17:35 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132658