Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, upon notice, on 20 March 2012:

(1) Is the Minister aware of the ongoing dust problems associated with phosphate loading at Christmas Island.

(2) Are the impacts of the dust associated with phosphate loading being monitored on an ongoing basis.

(3) Are the impacts of spilled phosphate on the surrounding marine environment monitored.

Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

The export of phosphate is important to the economy of Christmas Island.

Measures are in place to manage phosphate dust during the loading of ships in the working port of Christmas Island.

The Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) licenses Phosphate Resources Limited (PRL) trading as Christmas Island Phosphates under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA)(CI) to conduct bulk material loading and unloading of phosphate. The licence contains a number of conditions relating to dust monitoring and management including a requirement to update and submit a Dust Management Plan by 30 November 2012. During ship loading, the licensee is required to take specified measures which vary according to the wind direction and monitor the dust levels using a mobile dust monitor. Results of dust monitoring are provided to DEC in accordance with licence conditions.

Monitoring of phosphate levels in the marine environment is not considered necessary. Given the high energy of the marine environment, phosphate is rapidly dispersed and this significantly reduces the likelihood of any detrimental environmental impact. Phosphate is a naturally occurring substance on Christmas Island and after heavy rains can leach into the marine environment.