Legislative Council, Wednesday 19 October 2022

Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

With regard to futureproofing the Grassy Harbour on King Island to ensure a reliable, sustainable and cost-effective shipping service is assured, will the Government commit to working with Group 6 Metals, who have commenced mining operations in Grassy and will have significant, inert overburden available to construct a new, all-weather safe harbour at Grassy and if not, why not?

ANSWER

I thank the member for her question.

TasPorts advises that it has indicated to Group 6 Metals that it is willing to discuss the use of the overburden material to improve the port, for example, in strengthening the existing breakwater or for land reclaim at the port.

Ms Forrest - That was not the question. I will re-put the question. The question was, will the Government commit to working with Group 6 Metals, who have commenced mining operations in Grassy, and will have significant, inert overburden available.

The question is whether they can use it to construct a new, all-weather safe harbour at Grassy? That is the question.

Mrs HISCUTT - The answer did say that they will discuss productive use of the overburden material to improve the port. Do you want more to that?

Ms Forrest - Through you, Mr President. The Leader, in her answer, suggested they would strengthen the existing breakwater. If it is limited to that, it does not fix the problem.

Mrs HISCUTT - I said that was an example.

Ms Forrest - Okay, we will take it from there.