The state government has stated that community input will pay a vital role in its assessment of Alcoa's plans to expand the Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia's south west.
Community input is of vital importance and would be taken into account by the government in its assessment of the Environmental Protection Authority's recommendations, according to Environment Minister Mark McGowan.
Mr McGowan is today visiting Yarloop to meet with local residents and interested parties to gauge community feeling regarding Wagerup's alumina refinery stage three expansion proposal.
"At the end of the appeals period, we received 49 submissions which are now being considered by the Appeals Convenor," the Minister said.
Mr McGowan also outlined his ongoing support for the Wagerup Tripartite Group that was established by the former Environment Minister to provide advice on the existing operation.
"The Tripartite Group is the Government's primary community consultation forum for the Alcoa operation and I look forward to its continued input," he said.
"Through close and transparent community consultation, the department is ensuring that stakeholders are kept informed of all developments and issues surrounding the refinery."
Mr McGowan said the Department of Environment had recently started its winter air-sampling program in the Yarloop and Waroona districts.
"As part of this process, 20 samples were collected by the department and sent overseas to determine levels of various compounds that occur naturally in the atmosphere," he said.
"This gives us a benchmark to compare emissions from a range of local sources, including the Alcoa refinery."
The Minister said the department would approach local residents within the next three weeks to extend community involvement in the monitoring program.
"This follows the pilot sampling program which was carried out in late 2005," he said.
"It is very important that the community participates in this initiative as they are in the best position to monitor local air quality in times of interest."
