Serial 1
UNCLASSIFIED
MINUTES
Board:
Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) Advisory Board
Meeting
Subject of Meeting:
Inaugural meeting of the Advisory Board
Date:
18 December 2012
Time:
Commenced: 0830 (Canberra Time)
Concluded: 1305 (Canberra Time)
Pre‐meeting with Chair 0815‐0830
Post‐meeting with Chair 1305‐1315
Chairperson:
Mr Stephen Loosley
Place / Location:
Canberra / Russell Offices R2‐G‐Waratah Room
Member Attendees:
Mr Stephen Loosley, Chair
HON Paul Holloway, Deputy Chair
Mr Brendan Sargeant, DEPSEC Strategy, Department of Defence (Defence)
AIRMSHL Geoffrey Brown, Chief of Air Force (CAF)
Mr Martin Hoffman, DEPSEC, Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET)
Ms Jan Mason, DEPSEC Asset Management & Parliamentary Services, Department of Finance
and Deregulation (Finance)
Dr Paul Heithersay, Deputy Chief Executive Resources and Energy, Department for
Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE)
Mr Andrew Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer, Defence SA
Other Attendees
Mr Michael Shoebridge, FAS Strategic Policy Division, Defence
Mr Angus Kirkwood, AS Arms Control, Defence
AIRCDRE Noel Derwort, Commander Aerospace Operational Support Group
Dr Guy Verney, Finance
Ms Juilet Lautenbach, RET
Ms Nicole Hinton, RET
Ms Samantha Higgins, ED Woomera Prohibited Area Coordination Office (WPACO)
Ms Julie Baird, Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) Advisory Board Secretariat
Ms Caroline Chalker, Director WPACO
Mr Adam Robens, WPACO
Apologies:
Mr Michael Shoebridge – Apologies provided for Agenda Items 1‐5
1. Introduction
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
1.1
Opening: The meeting was opened by Mr Stephen
Loosley (Chair) at 0830.
1.2
Overview: Mr Brendan Sargeant (Defence) provided an
overview and background of the Woomera Prohibited
Area (WPA) and advised that all Advisory Board meetings
are to be held at the unclassified level.
2. Chairman’s welcome
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
2.1.
The Chair welcomed board members to the Inaugural
meeting and noted the importance of the issues and the
challenges ahead.
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3. Role of the Advisory Board – Endorse Terms of Reference
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
3.1
The Chair raised the requirement to produce an annual
Annual Advisory Board
WPACO
Following
report to the Minister. There was agreement that the
Reports to be tabled in the
Advisory
report be tabled in Parliament.
Parliament
Board
report.
3.2
The Chair opened for comments on the Terms of
WPACO to schedule a joint
WPACO
For the
Reference. There was an update provided on the
meeting of the Advisory
Group to
Reference Group and a discussion on the Group’s
Board and Reference
present its
interaction with the Advisory Board. The Chair suggested
Group.
report.
the Reference Group provide a written report and a joint
meeting be held with the Advisory Board and Reference
Group.
3.3
Mr Martin Hoffman (RET) referred to paragraph 15 of the
WPACO to coordinate
WPACO/
Two
Terms of Reference and requested that the Board be
quarterly updates to the
DMITRE/
weeks
provided with quarterly updates from WPACO/WTR.
Board on clause 15.c.
WTR
prior to
Board
meeting
3.4
There was agreement for papers for Board meetings to
Update Business Rules,
WPACO
31 Jan 13
be made available one week prior to meetings.
paragraph 11 to reflect that
papers are to be available
one week prior to meeting.
3.5
The Chair confirmed that the Terms of Reference, as
Terms of Reference
amended, were endorsed by the Board.
endorsed.
4. Overview of the WPA ‐ Defence
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
4.1
AIRCDRE Noel Derwort (Commander AOSG) provided the
After questions by the
Board with a presentation on the Woomera Prohibited
Board the presentation was
Area and the Woomera Test Range and provided a CD
noted.
copy of his presentation to all Board members.
5. Overview of the WPA ‐ Resources
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
5.1
Dr Paul Heithersay (DMITRE) provided a presentation on
WPACO to provide a CD
WPACO
Action
the Resources sector within the WPA. Ms Jan Mason
copy of the DMITRE
complete
(Finance) requested a copy of the presentations noting
presentation to Board
at
their comprehensive nature.
Members.
meeting
5.2
Mr Andrew Fletcher (Defence SA) asked about the
WPACO to coordinate
WPACO/
31 Jan 13
process for WPA access and the relationship between the
flowchart depicting access
DMITRE/
work of DMITRE and WPACO, and requested a flow chart
process including SA
WTR
depicting the steps in the process.
Government protocols.
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6. Range Usage
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
6.1
AIRCDRE Noel Derwort provided a presentation on Range
After questions by the
usage. The presentation covered the Range Schedule,
Board the presentation
Defence use and Non‐Defence use of the WPA and
was noted.
Compliance Monitoring.
‐
Mr Hoffman asked about the difference between the
number of planned activities and actual activities that
were undertaken and the reasons for the difference.
CAF and AIRCDRE Derwort advised the Board that
noting the nature of the trials, it is often unpredictable
and range use can be over‐programmed as a
contingency.
‐
Dr Guy Verney (Finance) asked about Kangaroo
Shooters accessing the WPA without a permit.
AIRCDRE Derwort advised that Pastoralists would
advise them if unauthorised activities were being
conducted on their land. They also conduct flyovers
for pre‐launch tests and signs were also used to advise
non‐defence users.
‐
AIRCDRE Derwort added that Hi‐Fire Trials were still
delayed as a consequence of asbestos components in
the rockets but that once it is remediated the full
length of the range would be needed to undertake
these trials.
7. Review Work Plan and Timeline
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
7.1
The following documents were provided to Board
WPACO to advise the Board
ED
Complete
Members:
of the name of a non‐
WPACO
‘Implementation of the Recommendations of the Review
defence user who
of the Woomera Prohibited Area, Progress Report –
requested access to red
December 2012’ and associated timeline chart. Mr
zone.
Michael Shoebridge (Defence) then provided an update
on the progress of each item. He noted the importance
WPACO advises that the
of securing a legislative drafter to develop the legislation,
company was UXA
and that this dictated the proposed six month timeframe.
Resources
The Minister’s support for programming of the legislation
would be important. Noting Defence’s experience with
Defence SA/DMITRE to look
Defence
31 Jan 13
the Defence Trade Controls Bill, Mr Shoebridge
into providing a staff
SA/
emphasised the importance of the consultation period,
member to assist with
DMITRE
and advised the Board that the timeframe may need to
progressing implementation
be extended as the legislation is developed. Ms Jan
of the review.
Mason (Finance) noted that Finance cannot provide a
full‐time resource to WPACO, but would work on the cost
recovery task.
7.2
The Deputy Chair emphasised that recovery costs must
WPACO to consider when
be reasonable so as not to present a barrier to industry.
drafting legislation.
7.3
The Chair sought advice from the Board on any
Noted by the Chair.
requirement to develop specific South Australian
legislation. The Board responded that the State
legislation would be taken into account in developing
Commonwealth legislation and added that SA might need
to consider its interpretation of its own regulations in this
context.
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7.4
Mr Fletcher noted that in addition to resource
The Board acknowledged the
considerations, Defence use and activities into the
importance of managing
future are also of great importance to South Australia.
expectations in a co‐
He noted that while there is a good understanding of
existence model.
Defence use at present it is difficult to know quite what
new technologies will bring into the future. The Board
must be mindful of not putting in place flexibilities for
industry that can’t be adjusted in the future to support
Defence use as required.
7.5
Ms Samantha Higgins provided an update on the
After questions the Board
progress of Deed applications and the new
noted the update.
administrative forms and provided a list of current
Deeds to the Board. Ms Higgins discussed some of the
security aspects that WPACO considers when processing
the forms.
AIRMSHL Brown advised the Chair on the major security
challenges that are faced by the range.
The Deputy Chair added comments on foreign
ownership and takeovers which could be a particular
challenge. There are a lot of issues to consider including
what constitutes control.
8. Business Rules and Reporting Requirements
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
8.1
Ms Mason requested the following inclusions to the
Business Rules:
‐
That a preamble with definitions be included in Chair asked that the
Finance
14 Jan 13
the document.
Department of Finance
‐
This should specifically cover ex‐officio
provide a submission
attendees, their aides and accompanying
reflecting the requested
Departmental representatives and instances
amendments.
where these board members can be
represented by other Departmental staff with
the authority to act of their behalf.
Noting comments received
WPACO
2 Apr 13
‐
Other external observers may be invited to
the revised Business Rules
attend a meeting by the Chair.
will be placed on the next
‐
That a clause be inserted to allow future
meeting agenda.
amendment of the Business Rules if required.
8.2
Mr Andrew Fletcher sought clarification of distribution
Clause 15 to be redrafted to
WPACO
2 Apr 13
arrangements at clause 15.
reflect ‘by exception’
withholding of material.
8.3
Mr Martin Hoffman sought amendments to the
a) Paragraph 1 and 2 be
WPACO
2 Apr 13
Business Rules,
and following discussion it was agreed :
redrafted to include ‘other
stakeholder Ministers’ in
a) Reporting Arrangements at paragraph 1 and 2 be
addition to the Minister for
amended to include ‘other stakeholder Ministers’ in
Defence and the South
addition to the Minister for Defence.
Australian Premier.
b) An addition be made after paragraph 2 to
incorporate the function set out in Recommendation 57
b) A new para to be drafted.
WPACO
2 Apr 13
c) that the Board be advised of summary statistical
reporting on access requests, timing and conditioning,
c) Information to be provided
as well as any contentious access matters
prior to Board meetings
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9. Meeting Schedule for 2013
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
9.1
The meeting schedule for 2013 was discussed by the
WPACO advises that The
Board
14 Jan 13
board. The dates of 18‐20 Mar 13 were confirmed,
March meeting has since
Members
however the remaining dates are to be looked at by
been rescheduled to 9‐11 Apr
board members. Ms Mason (Finance) asked whether
13 in Woomera and
any of the 2013 dates coincided with Estimate hearings.
availability has been
confirmed with all Board
Members
All Board members to advise
WPACO Secretariat of
Board
31 Jan 13
availability for proposed
Members
2013 meeting schedule for:
‐
Tue 13 Jun 13 in
Canberra
‐
Wed 4 Sep 13 in
Adelaide
‐
Thu 14 Nov 13 in
Canberra
WPACO confirms that
parliament is not currenly
scheduled to be sitting and
Estimate hearings are not
scheduled for the remaining
dates.
9.2
There was general support for the next Board meeting
AIRCDRE Derwort to
AIRCDRE
28 Feb 13
in March to encompass the full three days that were
establish a program in
Derwort
allocated to enable members to conduct the following:
consultation with WPACO.
‐
Day 1 – Board Meeting in Woomera
‐
Day 2 – Defence activities in WPA
‐
Day 3 – Mine visit in WPA
10. Other Business
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
10
The Chair thanked all members Board and secretariat
and provided particular thanks to AIRCDRE Derwort and
Dr Paul Heithersay for their comprehensive
presentations. The chair closed the meeting at 1305.
UNCLASSIFIED
Serial 2
UNCLASSIFIED
MINUTES
Board:
Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) Advisory Board
Meeting
Subject of Meeting:
First Quarterly meeting in 2013 of the WPA Advisory Board
Date:
9‐11 April 2013
Time:
Commenced: Start: 0900 on 9 April 2013
Concluded: 1700 on 11 April 2013
Chairperson:
Mr Stephen Loosley
Place / Location:
Woomera Prohibited Area, South Australia
Member Attendees:
Mr Stephen Loosley, Chair
HON Paul Holloway, Deputy Chair
Mr Michael Shoebridge, representing DEPSEC Strategy, Department of Defence (Defence)
AIRMSHL Geoffrey Brown, Chief of Air Force (CAF)
Mr Martin Hoffman, DEPSEC, Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET)
Ms Jan Mason, DEPSEC Business, Procurement and Asset Management, Department of Finance
and Deregulation (Finance)
Dr Paul Heithersay, Deputy Chief Executive Resources and Energy, Department for
Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE)
Mr Andrew Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer, Defence SA
Other Attendees
Mr Angus Kirkwood, AS Arms Control, Defence
Mr Reg Carruthers, Acting Director Woomera Test Range, Aerospace Operational
Support Group
Dr Guy Verney, AS Heritage, Environment and Land Policy Branch, Finance
Ms Pru Freeman, Deputy Executive Director Mineral Resources, DMITRE
Ms Samantha Higgins, ED Woomera Prohibited Area Coordination Office (WPACO)
Ms Julie Baird, Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) Advisory Board Secretariat
Apologies:
Mr Brendan Sargeant, DEPSEC Strategy, Department of Defence (Defence)
Day 1 Tuesday 9 April 2013 – Official Meeting
After travelling to Woomera and completing administrative arrangements, the Board received a tour of the Woomera
Heritage Museum. This was followed by a brief on Compliance Monitoring Team (CMT) operations from SQNLDR
Darren Shorter, Trials Security Manager from the Woomera Test Range.
1. Opening of Official Board Meeting
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
1.1
Opening: The official part of the meeting was opened by
Mr Stephen Loosley (Chair) at 1325.
2. Administration
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
2.1.
Ms Samantha Higgins (Defence) provided the
Administration update.
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3. Review of Action Items
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
3.1
The Minutes from 18 December 2013 were endorsed and
The 18 December 2013
the Agenda agreed.
Minutes were endorsed and
the 9 April 2013 Agenda
A review of the Action Item list was then undertaken by
was agreed.
the Board. The list was agreed by the Board with further
discussion on the Quarterly report, Flow Chart and
Action Item list agreed.
Business Rules as noted below in Item 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4.
It was agreed that In future the Action Item list is to be
WPACO to distribute Action
WPACO
One week
distributed one week prior to the meeting.
Item list one week prior to
prior to
meeting along with other
meeting.
meeting papers.
3.2
Mr Martin Hoffman (RET) noted the WPA Quarterly
The WPA Quarterly Report
DMITRE/
Two weeks
Report on WPA Access report was not circulated two
on WPA Access is to be
WPACO/
after the
weeks prior to the meeting as agreed. Following a
distributed to board
WTR
end of each
discussion it was agreed that the quarterly report be
members out of session
quarter.
circulated as soon as available after the end of the
after the end of each
quarter and considered at the next scheduled meeting.
quarter and considered at
the next scheduled
meeting.
3.3
The Board discussed the Flow Charts and it was agreed
that the process flowed logically on paper.
One page high level flow
Mr Andrew Fletcher (Defence SA) requested a higher
chart to be produced by
level one page summary of the process.
DMITRE/
15 May 13
DMITRE and WPACO.
WPACO
Dr Paul Heithersay suggested that if there was an
opportunity, the DMITRE and WPACO process should
be run in parallel. It was agreed as a sensible idea to
DMITRE to consider further. DMITRE
15 May 13
progress both processes as efficiently as possible,
recognising that a Deed of Access could not be
issued prior to a licence agreement.
WPACO
15 May 13
Access time to be aligned
Mr Hoffman noted that the Access requirements on
on Flow Chart and
the Flow Chart and the Legislation reflected 15
Legislation.
Business Days and 14 days respectively. It was
agreed that there should be consistency between
the two documents.
WPACO to update Flow
WPACO
15 May 13
Mr Hoffman also noted that the Access box ‘WTR to
Chart box to read ‘Time at
notify Company if additional time required for
best practice but at
particular instances of access’ did not reflect a time
Commonwealth discretion’.
but was stated as ‘time at Commonwealth
discretion’. AIRMSHL Geoffrey Brown (CAF) advised
that additional time could relate to security concerns
and therefore it would be difficult to state a
timeframe noting the complex liaison could be
required. It was agreed that the box should reflect
‘Time at best practice but at Commonwealth
discretion’.
The Chair noted the useful discussion on the Flow Charts.
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Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
3.4
The Board then discussed Outstanding Action Item 8.1
(the revised Business Rules) from the 18 Dec 12 meeting.
WPACO to update
Ms Jan Mason (Finance) requested that paragraph
paragraph 18 to include
WPACO
15 May 13
18 be updated to include the Minister for Finance
Minister for Finance and
and Deregulation.
Deregulation.
Ms Mason also requested that definitions be
WPACO to add definitions
included in the Business Rules.
WPACO
15 May 13
including definition of
Mr Fletcher requested that period of engagement
stakeholder ministers.
for the Chair and Deputy Chair is included in the
WPACO to add period of
WPACO
15 May 13
Business Rules.
engagement.
It was agreed that Paragraph 21 ‘Annual Report
WPACO to amend
WPACO
15 May 13
Tabling’ of the Business Rules be amended to reflect
paragraph 21 to reflect
November each year.
November each year.
4. Visit to US facility
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
4.1 s33
After discussion by the
Board the brief was noted.
5. WPA Quarterly Report on WPA Access
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
5.1
Ms Pru Freeman (DMITRE) presented the WPA Quarterly
After discussion by the
Report on WPA Access for the quarter ending 31 Dec 12. Board the report was noted
5.2
Ms Higgins presented the WPACO/WTR Statistics Report
for the quarters ending 31 Dec 12 and 31 Mar 13.
Dr Heithersay noted that this was a very good story
WPACO to include statistics
WPACO
On
and asked if it could be made public. Mr Michael
in the Board’s Annual
production
Shoebridge (Defence) suggested that it be included
Report.
of Annual
in the Board’s Annual Report.
Report.
Mr Loosley sought agreement by the Board for the
agreed to Chairs request to
Chair
At Chair’s
Chair and Deputy Chair to brief the Minister for
brief Ministers, SA Premier
availability.
Defence, the Minister for Resources and Energy, the
and other interested
SA Premier and other Ministers who wished to be
Ministers.
briefed. Subject to the Minister’s approval the chair
would possibly discuss with the Shadow Minister.
Mr Hoffman requested that a line on the number of
WPACO to add additional
WPACO
15 May 13
deeds issued but not executed be added to the
lines to report.
WPACO section and denials be added to the WTR
section.
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6. WPACO update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
6.1
Mr Shoebridge provided the WPACO update to the Board.
Ms Mason requested a detailed work plan against all
WPACO to update
WPACO
1 week prior
review recommendations to be included for the next
detailed work plan.
to next mtg.
mtg. Mr Shoebridge agreed noting that WPACO
highest priority was progressing the legislation.
Mr Fletcher noted that the South Australian
WPACO to advise SA
WPACO
19 Apr 13
Government was awaiting advice from the
Government.
Commonwealth on the latest version of the
Commonwealth/SA Government MOU.
Reference Group to be
Convened as
There was some discussion on the Reference Group
WPACO
convened as a priority
a priority
which is being considered by the Minister. The Board
after legislation is
when
noted that the convening of the Reference Group is
implemented.
legislation
important and would be a priority after the new
implemented
legislation is implemented. WPACO will use the
stakeholders identified for the Reference Group to
consult on the legislation.
7. WTR Update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
7.1
Mr Reg Carruthers (WTR) provided the WTR update to the
Board.
Dr Heithersay offered his thanks for assistance with
A/DWTR and Dr
DMITRE/
15 May 13
the Geoscience survey and commented on extant
Heithersay to informally
WTR
relations between DMITRE, mining companies and
discuss co‐existence with
Indigenous groups inside the WPA and offered to
Indigenous issues and
discuss them with A/DWTR Reg Carruthers to
report options for
assist Defence review working with Indigenous groups.
further cooperation at
AIRMSHL Brown agreed with the current exclusion
next board meeting.
window policy for Defence to close only the parts of
the range being used, and the handing back of
exclusion windows if Defence were not using them.
Dr Heithersay advised that DMITRE would be happy to
consider requests for additions/changes to SARIG that
would assist WTR.
The Chair thanked Mr Carruthers for his comprehensive
update.
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5/7
8. South Australian Government update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
8.1
Dr Heithersay provided the South Australian government
After a discussion by the
update. The Chair thanked Dr Heithersay for a very
Board the update was
valuable update to the Board.
noted.
DMITRE
30 Apr 13
Ms Freeman to provide a
CD copy of the
presentation to WPACO
for distribution to the
Board.
10. Discussion Paper on Legislation
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
10.1 Mr Shoebridge provided a brief to the Board on the
WPA legislation and associated timeline and schedule
risk.
The Board agreed that the discussion paper could
WPACO to update Discussion
WPACO
12 Apr 13
be used as the public consultation paper. The
Paper to include the review
Board also agreed that the discussion paper be
in 2018 and the Reference
updated to include the review in 2018 and the
Group.
Reference Group.
Mr Hoffman offered to provide some comments on RET to provide comments on RET
12 Apr 13
the paper. Mr Shoebridge requested that these
the paper as suggested text.
comments be provided as suggested text.
Mr Paul Holloway (Deputy Chair) noted that cost
recovery is most likely to be the most difficult and
getting it right is a crucial element.
Dr Verney noted that decisions made under the
proposed legislation would also be subject to
review under the Administrative Decisions Judicial
Review Act 1976 (Cth)"
The Chair noted at this point that he met with two
South Australian Ministers in Adelaide on 8 Apr 13,
The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, Minister for
Mineral Resources and Energy and the Hon Jack
Snelling MP, Minister for Defence Industries. Dr
Heithersay and Mr Fletcher also attended. The
Chair advised the board that the key South
Australian stakeholders would be very happy if this
legislation went through quickly.
11. Remaining Meeting Schedule for 2013
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
11.1 The Chair requested that all Board members ensure
All Board members to diarise
All board
30 Apr 13
that meeting dates were diarised.
meeting dates.
members
Thu 13 Jun 13 Canberra
Wed 4 Sep 13 Adelaide
Thu 14 Nov 13 Canberra
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9. Classified Briefing to Board Members
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
9.1
A Classified briefing was provided to cleared attendees
After a discussion the
by Mr Carruthers.
briefing was noted by the
Note: This Agenda Item was moved to the end of the
Board.
meeting,
12. Other Business and Close
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
12.1 As there was no further business the Chair thanked all
for their contribution to a terrific meeting. The chair
closed the official Board meeting at 1700 South
Australian time.
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Wednesday 10 April 2013 – Woomera Test Range inspection
Members were provided with a visit to the Woomera Test Range and a force preparedness demonstration on
Wednesday 10 April 2013.
The visit and demonstration included:
a) Visit and briefings at 5 Flight on the Heron UAV and ground control station at the airfield;
b) Tour of the range at Lake Hart to view force preparedness demonstration;
c) Heron imagery displayed on Rover 5 terminals;
d) No. 4 Squadron JTAC demonstration and brief;
e) F/A‐18 drop of 2x2000 lb hi drag bombs and ‘show of force’ flypast;
f) Common and typical direct support to ground forces demonstration;
g) Visited /Toured Instrumented Building with presentation and video displays of trials;
h) Demonstration of the Compliance and Monitoring team ops centre in town and field deployable
vehicle and
i) Tour of launcher site.
The visit and demonstration provided the board members with valuable insight into Defence’s use of the area which
will inform the Board’s future discussions.
Thursday 11 April 2013 – Oz Mineral Prominent Hill Mine Visit
On Thursday the following attendees conducted a tour of Oz Mineral’s Prominent Hill mine site:
Mr Stephen Loosley
Mr Paul Holloway
Dr Paul Heithersay
Mr Andrew Fletcher
Mr Martin Hoffman
Ms Jan Mason
Mr Michael Shoebridge
Ms Pru Freeman
Both the tour and briefing were comprehensive and all the attendees gained a real understanding of the operations of
the mine.
The chair thanked management and staff and the delegation then returned to Adelaide.
UNCLASSIFIED
Serial 3
UNCLASSIFIED
MINUTES
Board:
Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) Advisory Board
Meeting
Subject of Meeting:
Second Quarterly meeting of the WPA Advisory Board for 2013
Date:
13 June 2013
Time:
Commenced: Start: 0930
Concluded: 1430
Chairperson:
Mr Stephen Loosley
Place / Location:
Canberra ACT R1‐5‐DC Room
Member Attendees: Mr Stephen Loosley – Chair, WPA Advisory Board
Hon Paul Holloway – Deputy Chair, WPA Advisory Board
Mr Brendan Sargeant, DEPSEC Strategy, Department of Defence ‐ Member
AVM Gavin Davies, DCAF representing AIRMSHL Geoffrey Brown, Chief of Air Force – Member
Mr Bruce Wilson, A/DEPSEC representing Mr Martin Hoffman, DEPSEC, RET – Member
Ms Jan Mason, DEPSEC Business, Procurement and Asset Management, Department of Finance and
Deregulation (Finance)‐ Member
Dr Paul Heithersay, Deputy Chief Executive Resources and Energy, DMITRE – Member
Mr Andrew Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer, Defence SA – Member
Other Attendees
Mr Angus Kirkwood, AS Arms Control Strategic Policy Division
AIRCDRE Noel Derwort, Commander Aerospace Operational Support Group
Mr Reg Carruthers, A/Director Woomera Test Range(WTR), Aerospace Operational Support Group
Ms Samantha Higgins, ED WPACO
Mr Ashley Cahif, Legal contractor to WPACO
Ms Julie Baird, WPA Secretariat
Ms Pru Freeman, Deputy Executive Director Mineral Resources, DMITRE
Ms Georgette Elston, Director, Strategic Policy and Planning, Defence SA
Ms Juliet Lautenbach, Manager, Metals, RET
Ms Nicole Hinton, Director, RET secondee to WPACO
Mr Mike Matthewson A/AS Heritage, Environment and Land Policy Branch, Finance
Apologies:
AIRMSHL Geoffrey Brown, Chief of Air Force
Mr Martin Hoffman, DEPSEC, RET – Member
Mr Michael Shoebridge, FAS Strategic Policy Division
Mr Brendan Sargeant, DEPSEC Strategy, Department of Defence provided apologies from 1330.
1. Opening of Official Board Meeting
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
1.1
Opening: Mr Stephen Loosley (Chair) opened the
meeting. Apologies were noted and deputies were
welcomed.
2. Administration
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
2.1.
Ms Samantha Higgins (Defence) provided an
Administration brief.
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2/6
3. Minutes and Review of Action Items
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
3.1
The Minutes from 9‐11 April 2013 were endorsed.
9‐11 Apr 13 minutes
endorsed.
3.2
A review of the Action Item list was then undertaken by
Action Item list agreed.
the Board. The list was agreed by the Board with the
following discussions as noted in Action Items 3.3 to 3.8
below.
3.3
Mr Andrew Fletcher (Defence SA) suggested for clarity
Flow Chart to be updated to WPACO
30 Jun 13
that the Flow Chart be updated to reflect ‘Applicant
reflect ‘Applicant submits
submits Access Request to WTR’ and that contact details
Access Request to WTR’,
be included. The flow chart can then be placed on
contact details added and
website.
placed on website.
There was also a request to refrain from the use of
acronyms and the Chair confirmed that the first time the
name should be in full and then the acronym can be
used. A definition table may also be used.
3.4
Dr Paul Heithersay (DMITRE) advised that DMITRE had
Action Item 3.3.2 from 9
WPACO
13 Jun 13
considered further Action Item 3.3.2 from the 9 Apr 13
Apr 13 meeting is to be
meeting on how the DMITRE and WPACO could be
marked as complete.
improved by running its processes in parallel. No further
improvements had been identified during DMITRE’s
consideration of the matter, however it was noted that
visibility is provided through SARIG. Mr Loosley sought
clarification that there were no issues with the current
process. Dr Heithersay confirmed and it was agreed that
the Action Item could be marked as complete.
3.5
The Chair advised that Action Item 5.2.2 from 9 Apr 13
Action Item 5.2.2 from 9
Chair
At Chair’s
meeting should be marked as ongoing at this time. He
Apr 13 meeting to be
availability.
has briefed the Defence Minister and envisaged that
marked as ongoing at this
other briefings would occur prior to the next meeting.
stage.
3.6
Ms Higgins provided apologies for Action Item 6.1.1 from
Action Item 6.1.1 from 9
WPACO
28 Aug 13
9 Apr 13 meeting on the detailed work plan against all
Apr 13 meeting remains
review recommendations due to the priority focus on the
outstanding and is to be
development of legislation. It was agreed that this would
actioned by next meeting.
be provided by the next meeting.
3.7
Ms Higgins advised that Action Item 6.1.3 from 9 Apr 13
Action Item 6.1.3 from 9
WPACO
15 Jul 13
meeting on the Reference Group remains outstanding
Apr 13 meeting remains
and that the Defence Minister is still considering. Mr
outstanding and Chair to
Fletcher asked whether the Chair could raise the matter
speak with the Defence
again with the Minister. The Chair agreed and advised
Minister.
that the aim would be to have this Group established
prior to the next meeting.
The board noted that the Reference Group would be
given a priority after the Legislation is implemented.
3.8
The Board then discussed the revised draft Business
Rules.
It was agreed that Paragraph 10 be amended to
WPACO to update
WPACO
30 Jun 13
reflect that an annual visit to Woomera is to
Paragraph 10 of the
occur rather than specify a day after the
Business Rules.
meeting.
It was agreed that the Definitions be amended
WPACO to amend
WPACO
30 Jun 13
to include Minister for Defence as a Stakeholder
Definitions and other
Minister and amend paragraphs as necessary to
paragraphs to reflect ‘other’
reflect ‘other’ stakeholder Ministers.
stakeholder Ministers.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
3/6
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
The board endorsed the Business Rules with the WPACO to distribute
WPACO
30 Jun 13
above changes.
amended Business Rules as
the endorsed document
and note Action Item as
complete.
4‐5. Legislation framework including Bill and Rules
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
4.1
Ms Higgins provided an overview of the Legislation
After discussion the Board
framework and provided a presentation on key dates in
noted the overview and
relation to the WPA Review. Mr Ashley Cahif (Legal
presentations.
Contractor to WPACO) provided a presentation to the
Board on the draft Rules. The Board noted Ms Higgins’s
overview and Mr Cahif’s presentation.
4.2
The Board also discussed compensation and the cap of
The Board noted that
WPACO
31 Jul 13
$2m. Mr Cahif advised the board that it was envisaged
compensation to be
that comments on the compensation issue may be
considered further if
included in public submissions and if necessary would be
comments are received in
further considered.
the public submission.
4.3
Ms Higgins was asked in detail about Indigenous
However, after discussion
consultation. She spoke about the teleconferences and
the Board accepted Ms
meetings that had occurred with the three main groups,
Higgins' report and the
and on the five issues raised by the Maralinga Tjarutja,
reasons not to
and Defence’s proposed advice to its Minister.
excise Section 400. The
Board acknowledged Defen
There was discussion surrounding the excision of Section
ce’s proposed advice to its
400. State Government representatives and Defence (Air
Minister.
Force and WPACO) members provided clear views that
the area should not be excised, primarily for reasons of
the safety template for testing. RET noted the points
made in the Maralinga Tjarutja 's letter may suggest
there was a case to excise.
4.4
At the end of Agenda Items 4‐5 Ms Higgins presented the
WPACO to provide revised
WPACO
26 Nov 13
‘Demerit Point Regime Discussion Paper’ and the three
version of Rules and
and RET
main options as detailed. Ms Higgins advised that RET
proposed Drafting
has previously raised some concerns about the Demerit
Instructions to RET for its
System and it was agreed these could not be resolved
advice and clearance, in
fully prior to the rules going out for public comment. Mr
particular related to the
Bruce Wilson, (RET) sought clarification that WPACO was
Demerit Points scheme with
looking at limiting the permit condition to “comply with
any changes to the
all applicable Commonwealth and South Australian laws”
proposed approach, before
to safety and security of testing of war materiel; and to
the final instructions are
comply with all Indigenous laws. RET subsequently
sent to OPC.
advised that they were probably now more comfortable
with these issues and undertook to review the whole
package and provide further advice to Defence.
The Board discussed whether the breach register would
WPACO to consult with
WPACO
One week
be made public. It was decided that WPACO is to consult
stakeholders and provide
before next
with stakeholders and then provide a recommendation to recommendation to Board
meeting.
the Board on whether the breaches should be made
on whether the breaches
public.
register should be made
public.
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Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
The Chair provided a summary that the Board was
Demerit point system
WPACO
Ongoing
definitely in favour of a fair and practical demerit system
should be included on the
and with the Minister having the ability to be able to
Board’s agenda 12 months
reinstate. The system adopted should be reviewed by
after rules are finalised.
the Board in 12 months.
6. Future implementation program
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
6.1
The Board acknowledged the significant work undertaken The Board acknowledged
by the South Australian Government to facilitate
the advice.
harmonious relations between Defence and the mineral
and energy resources sector prior to the Hawke Review –
most notably, the February 2009 establishment of a joint
State‐Commonwealth Woomera Working Group and
development/implementation of a pilot process to
manage straightforward exploration access applications.
6.2
It was agreed that advertisements to advise on the
WPACO to place
WPACO
Newspaper
stakeholder consultations/road show should be placed in
advertisements on
printing
the Roxby Downs and Coober Pedy newspapers, as
stakeholder
deadlines
required.
consultations/roadshow in
did not
Ms Higgins noted that all stakeholders were emailed
Roxby Downs and Coober
enable
directly and the South Australian Government then also
Pedy newspapers, as
advertise‐
forwarded on advice to its stakeholders.
required
ments to go
in before
road show.
6.3
Ms Juliet Lautenbach (RET) asked whether there was time WPACO to issue a
WPACO
31 Jul 13
in the two weeks to resubmit rules to the group for a
consolidated public
group check. Ms Higgins confirmed that a consolidated
submission document to
list of submission comments would be provided detailing
South Australian and
Defence’s views on whether they should be adopted or
Commonwealth Agencies.
not.
The Chair confirmed that the process was agreed.
7. WPA Quarterly Report on WPA Access
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
7.1
Ms Pru Freeman (DMITRE) gave a brief overview on the
The update was noted by
WPA Quarterly report and this was covered in more detail
the Board.
in the South Australian Government update presentation
at Action Item 9. Ms Higgins provided interim quarterly
figures to the board to 31 May 13 and advised that there
were 17 Approved Personnel applications in that period
that were one day late.
UNCLASSIFIED
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5/6
8. WTR Update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
8.1
AIRCDRE Noel Derwort (Air Force) provided the WTR
Following questions the
update to the Board. The update included advice that
update was noted by the
WTR participated in a joint emergency exercise with Oz
Board.
Minerals. The outcome of the exercise was successful and
further built on the relationships with Oz Minerals. Also
the Green Zone was closed for a successful test of JASSM
which involved consultation with all existing users.
8.2
The update also included a discussion on Staffing and
Air Force in conjunction
Air Force in
31 Jul 13
Information Technology (IT) issues experienced by WTR.
with WPACO to issue an
conjunction
AVM Gavin Davies (Air Force) suggested that an invitation
invitation to CIOG for the with
could be provided to Chief Information Officer Group by
next Board meeting.
WPACO
the Advisory Board to advise on IT matters. The Chair
noted that an appropriate invitation be sent to CIOG for
the next meeting.
9. South Australian Government update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
9.1
DMITRE provided a South Australian Government Following questions the
‘Resources Update’ presentation which included advice of Board noted the update.
a successful SARIG training and strategic planning day on
10 May between WTR and DMITRE where WTR also
presented on the proposed exclusion zone management
initiative. Key to this initiative is the introduction of
providing declassified operational areas online via SARIG
along with any air space limitations. A series of agreed
next steps were also identified.
10. Remaining Meeting Schedule for 2013
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
10.1 The Chair noted that all Board members should now have
Board members noted.
future meeting dates diarised.
Wed 4 Sep 13 Adelaide
Thu 14 Nov 13 Canberra
Note: Both meetings were cancelled and the newly
announced meeting being held in conjunction with the
Woomera Open Day has been confirmed for Tuesday 3
December 2013 in Woomera
11. Other Business and Close
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
11.1 The Board discussed the recent article in the Air Force
Mr Reg Carruthers (WTR) WTR
5 Jul 13
newspaper on the Advisory Board’s visit to the Woomera
to commence an article
Prohibited Area in April. AVM Davies suggested that
on the Joint Exercise
perhaps South Australia could do a small story on the joint
with Oz Minerals for
emergency exercise with Oz Minerals. Dr Paul Heithersay
inclusion in the Mesa
(DMITRE) suggested the Mesa Journal and the South
Journal and the South
Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy Journal.
Australian Chamber of
Mines and Energy
journal
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
6/6
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
It was suggested that the Whiskey Swamp rehabilitation
DMITRE to prepare an
DMITRE
5 Jul 13
could also be another good news story.
article on the Whiskey
Swamp rehabilitation for
inclusion in the Mesa
Journal and the South
Australian Chamber of
Mines and Energy
journal
11.2 Mr Carruthers suggested a Board meeting in Woomera
Mr Carruthers to come
WTR
4 Sep 13
with all the pastoralists and as part of a proposed ‘Industry
with ideas to next
Day’ for sometime in the final quarter of 2013.
meeting
11.3 As there was no further business the Chair thanked all for
their contributions and closed the meeting.
UNCLASSIFIED
Serial 4
UNCLASSIFIED
MINUTES
Board:
Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) Advisory Board
Meeting
Subject of Meeting:
Third Quarterly meeting of the WPA Advisory Board for 2013
Date:
3 December 2013
Time:
Commenced: 1000
Concluded: 2200
Chairperson:
Mr Stephen Loosley
Place / Location:
Woomera Prohibited Area
Member Attendees: Mr Stephen Loosley – Chair, WPA Advisory Board
Hon Paul Holloway – Deputy Chair, WPA Advisory Board
Mr Michael Shoebridge, representing DEPSEC Strategy, Department of Defence – Member
AIRCDRE Noel Derwort, representing Chief of Air Force – Member
Mr Martin Hoffman, DEPSEC, Department of Industry – Member
Ms Jan Mason, DEPSEC Business, Procurement and Asset Management, Department of Finance –
Member
Dr Paul Heithersay, Deputy Chief Executive Resources and Energy, DMITRE – Member
Mr Andrew Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer, Defence SA – Member
Other Attendees
Mr Angus Kirkwood, AS Arms Control, Strategic Policy Division
Ms Samantha Higgins, ED WPACO
Ms Alice Stanley, Defence Legal
Ms Danielle Tuckfield, WPA Secretariat
Dr Guy Verney, AS Heritage, Environment and Land Policy Branch, Finance
Ms Pru Freeman, Deputy Executive Director Mineral Resources, DMITRE
Mr Toby Forde, Director, Strategic Policy and Planning, Defence SA
Apologies:
Mr Brendan Sargeant, DEPSEC Strategy, Department of Defence – Member
AIRMSHL Geoffrey Brown, Chief of Air Force – Member
1. Opening of Official Board Meeting
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
1
Opening: Mr Stephen Loosley (Chair) opened the
meeting. Mr Loosley thanked Air Force for organising the
open day and noted the attendance of the South
Australian Governor in Woomera. Apologies were noted
and deputies were welcomed.
2. Administration
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
2
Ms Samantha Higgins (Defence) provided an
Administration brief. Ms Higgins noted the participation
of stakeholders in the meeting and that Mr Paul
Reynolds, the opal miner, was unable to attend.
3. Minutes
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
3
The Minutes from 13 June 2013 were endorsed.
13 June 2013 minutes
endorsed.
UNCLASSIFIED
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2/6
4. Review of Action Items
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
4
A review of the Action Item list was then undertaken by
Board agreed all action
the Board.
items had been completed
with the exception of the
legislation.
4.4b Demerit Point Register Publication Discussion Paper.
Board agreed that the Rules
The Board discussed the paper and three options in
remain neutral on demerit
relation to publication of demerit points. The Board
information; that it be
agreed that the best approach was to remain neutral and
governed by freedom of
the information will be treated by Defence in accordance
information laws.
with the
Freedom of Information Act 1982.
6.1.1 Review recommendation update.
Cost recovery option to be
WPACO
2018
Mr Shoebridge provided an update on the progress of the included in 2018 review of
implementation of the Review recommendations. The
WPA coexistence scheme.
administrative side of the process is in place and it is now
a matter of getting the legislation introduced, which is
the priority for 2014. He noted that the cost recovery
recommendation, while not being acted upon at this
stage, will be provided for in the legislation. Ms Mason
suggested it would be useful to re‐visit the cost
effectiveness of the cost recovery option in the future.
The Chair noted that there would be a review in 2018 and
perhaps cost recovery could be included.
Mr Shoebridge noted that WPACO was yet to seek the
agreement of the new Minister about the establishment
of the Reference Group.
5. Update on legislation status
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
5
Mr Shoebridge noted that the proposed legislation was a
Board noted the proposed
high priority for the Minister, and gave an update on the
timetable for introduction
likely timetable for introduction and passage of the
and passage of proposed
proposed Bill – planned for introduction in Autumn,
legislation.
possibly passage in winter, but it depends on
parliamentary timetable. Defence is expecting the Bill to
be referred to Senate committee for inquiry.
WPACO is currently conducting a Regulation Impact
Statement on the advice of the Office of Best Practice
Regulation. The RIS has to be agreed before policy
approval for the legislation may be sought. The previous
Bill was given a RIS waiver by the former government.
Mr Shoebridge noted some changes to the Bill regarding
compensation on just terms, recognising the railways as
existing users and pastoralists in red zone, and that minor
amendments would have to be made to the Defence
Force Regulations 1952.
Mr Shoebridge noted that Indigenous groups had
That the next meeting is to
WPACO
End 2013
recently been contacted. Ms Higgins noted that WPACO
be held in Adelaide, and
did invite them to today’s events but they were unable to Indigenous representatives
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
3/6
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
attend. Defence suggested that Indigenous groups could
will be invited to attend.
meet the Board in more convenient location, perhaps at
meeting in Adelaide.
Mr Loosley (Chair) noted that the Member for Grey, Mr
Mr Loosley to contact
Chair
End Jun 14
Rowen Ramsey MP, was interested in what the Board
Shadow Minister for
was doing and that he had been in contact with Mr
Defence
Ramsey’s office. Mr Loosley also noted that the Shadow
Minister for Defence may not be aware of issues
involving Woomera and that he may call on him at some
stage.
6. Advisory Board Annual Report
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
6
Mr Shoebridge provided an update on the progress of the
DMITRE to provide maps
DMITRE
Dec 13
Board’s Annual Report. WPACO had contacted
and photos in addition to
stakeholders, a number of whom had responded and their
its text to WPACO for
input had been circulated.
inclusion in Annual
Ms Mason suggested the Annual Report would benefit
Report.
from the inclusion of maps and suitable photos. DMITRE
agreed to provide appropriate maps.
Ms Higgins noted the
WPACO
End Dec 13
Mr Loosley suggested the Report should highlight the
likely timeframe for the
importance of Woomera as a national asset in its
Report and agreed
overview. Dr Verney sought emphasis that the co‐
WPACO would provide a
existence model is crucial to balancing the interests of all
draft out of session.
users.
A final report to be given
WPACO
End Jan 14
to Ministers by the end of
January 2014.
7. Existing user group meeting ‐ Pastoralists
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
7
s47G
The Board agreed that
WPACO
31 Dec 13
WPACO would track and
report to the Board
information on
compensation claims
from this point forward.
Mr David and Mrs Megan Henderson, pastoralists, Mount
Vivian Station
Mr and Mrs Henderson indicated defence activity did not
have a big impact on their pastoral activities and that
range staff keep them well informed.
UNCLASSIFIED
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4/6
8. Existing user group meeting ‐ Exploration
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
8
Garry Ferris – Monax Mining
After discussion the
Mr Ferris gave a presentation on Monax mining activities in Board noted Mr Ferris’
the WPA. Mr Ferris also noted that the Range’s External presentation.
Relations Manager’s (Lindsay) presentation was very
informative, and helped him understand the need for the
processes we place around operating in WPA.
Mr Ferris indicated the company had not had any
problems with access issues; that it was in constant liaison
with the range and WPACO.
Mr David Tisdall sent his apologies and the Apollo
Minerals’ presentation was circulated to Board members
out of session.
11. Existing user group meeting ‐ Rail
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
11
Mr Brendan Lawson CEO AustralAsia Railway Corporation
Mr Robert Easthope, Genesee Wyoming (concession
Board discussion about
WPACO
Feb 14
owner)
concerns raised by rail
and suggested it meet
Ms Kirsten Alexander, Australian Rail Track Corporation,
with rail executives in
which holds the underlying title for the Tarcoola to Alice
Adelaide.
Springs rail leased to ARTC
Mr Lawson spoke on behalf of the Rail groups to provide
the Board with an explanation of the importance of the
railway to economies of SA and NT. He stressed the heavy
reliance on rail for supply chain and mining. He sought and
was given information about the role and remit of the
WPA Advisory Board.
Members of the Board explained the aim of the co‐
existence scheme to ensure needs of all users taken into
account when Defence activity is being planned, but
ultimately rail operations may be interrupted at some
point. The Range staff does its best to minimise impact to
all users. The new scheme gives more certainty and
predictability around Defence activity than before so
should offer a better planning basis for non‐defence user
business.
Ms Mason declared her role in the Department of Finance
as having oversight of the Government Business
Enterprise, ARTC.
12. Existing user group meeting – Operating Mine
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
12
Mr Ron Hardman, Arrium provided a presentation about
Board noted Arrium’s
its operations. He noted Arrium had experienced minimal
presentation
impact to its operations in the WPA and that co‐existence
was working well from its perspective.
UNCLASSIFIED
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5/6
13. South Australian Government Update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
13
Dr Heithersay noted that the WPA Atlas had been released
After discussion Board
and that the recent SA government gravity survey of the
noted SA contribution.
red zone had been very successful.
14. WPA Quarterly Report on WPA access
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
14
Ms Higgins noted Annual Report to be from end
Provide future data
WPACO
31 Jan 14
moratorium to end of third quarter (6 October 12 – 30
reports in trend format.
Sept 13) and provided interim quarterly figures to the
Board.
Mr Hoffman requested that trend data be included with
the quarterly report statistics.
15. WTR update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
15
Air Commodore Derwort provided the WTR update to the
Board. No ‘denials’ to WPA entry requests was the
Board noted update
common trend, but noting that actively minimising
provided by WTR
disruption carries a level of risk.
Joint emergency exercise with Oz Minerals went very well
and was a demonstration of working well together.
Discussion around the risk the APS recruitment freeze
presents.
16. Further discussion on legislation framework including bill and rules
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
16
Board agreed no further discussion required on this
agenda item, noting discussion of item 5.
17. Advisory Board discussion/wrap up
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
17
Confirmation that
WPACO
Complete
Board noted concerns raised by Ilkurlka Roadhouse and
Ilkurlka Roadhouse is
agreed it would be sensible to improve communication
included on stakeholder
from the WTR and WPACO.
list for notifications of
Mr Loosley concluded the meeting noting it had been a
activity in WPA.
very successful year and a lot had been achieved. Thanked
WPACO confirms Ilkurlka
everyone who had contributed.
is recorded on
stakeholder list for
Noted that the WPA Board annual report will initially
notifications.
extend from the end of the moratorium until 30
September 2013 in the first instance.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
6/6
18. Meeting schedule for 2014
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
18
Liaise with relevant
WPACO
31 Jan 14
Mr Loosley suggested three Board meetings take place in
parties and coordinate
2014 – March in Adelaide, June in Woomera and
schedule.
September in Canberra.
UNCLASSIFIED
Serial 5
UNCLASSIFIED
Minutes
Board:
Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) Advisory Board Meeting 1/2014
Subject of Meeting:
First Meeting 2014
Date:
Tuesday 18 February 2014
Time:
Start: 0830
Finish: 1457
Chairman:
Mr Stephen Loosley
Place / Location:
DMITRE Training Rooms 1 & 2,
Level 7, 101 Grenfell St,
Adelaide SA
Members:
Mr Stephen Loosley ‐ Chair, WPA Advisory Board
Hon Paul Holloway ‐ Deputy Chair, WPA Advisory Board
Mr Peter Baxter, DEPSEC Strategy, Department of Defence ‐ Member
AVM Gavin Davies, Deputy Chief of Air Force, representing Chief of Air Force ‐ Member
Katherine Harman, General Manager, Minerals Productivity Branch representing
DEPSEC Resources, Department of Industry ‐ Member
Dr Guy Verney, AS Heritage, Environment and Land Policy Branch representing DEPSEC Business,
Procurement and Asset Management, Department of Finance ‐ Member
Dr Paul Heithersay, Deputy Chief Executive Resources and Energy, DMITRE ‐ Member
Mr Toby Forde representing, Chief Executive Officer, Defence SA ‐ Member
Other Attendees
Mr Michael Shoebridge, FAS Strategic Policy Division
Mr Angus Kirkwood, AS Arms Control, Strategic Policy Division
AIRCDRE Noel Derwort, Commander Aerospace Operational Support Group
Mr Reg Carruthers, Director Woomera Test Range, Aerospace Operational Support Group
Ms Samantha Higgins, ED WPACO
Ms Alice Stanley, Defence Legal
Ms Julie Baird, WPA Secretariat
Ms Pru Freeman, Deputy Executive Director Mineral Resources, DMITRE
Ms Cathy Lacar, Policy Officer, Resource Land Access Strategy Branch, DMITRE
Apologies
AIRMSHL Geoffrey Brown, Chief of Air Force ‐ Member
Mr Andrew Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer, Defence SA – Member
Mr Martin Hoffman, DEPSEC Resources, Department of Industry ‐ Member
Ms Jan Mason, DEPSEC Business, Procurement and Asset Management, Department of
Finance – Member
1. Opening of Official Board Meeting
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
1.0
Opening: Mr Stephen Loosley (Chair) opened the
meeting. Mr Loosley thanked attendees and noted
apologies and welcomed representatives.
2. Administration
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
2.0
Ms Pru Freeman (DMITRE) provided an Administration
brief during the course of the meeting.
3. Minutes
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
2/12
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
3.0
The Minutes from 13 June 2013 were endorsed.
4. Review of Action Items
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
4.0
A review of the Action Item list was then undertaken by
The Board noted the action
the Board.
items and that completed
items could be closed.
4.1
3 Dec 13 meeting Action Item 5 – The Chair confirmed
that the Shadow minister and the local member for Grey,
Mr Rowan Ramsey MP had been briefed.
4.2
3 Dec 13 meeting Action Item 7 ‐ The Board was advised
that the compensation claim remains outstanding. The
claim is currently with the Defence Minister.
Compensation claims are now reported on the quarterly
report to the Board.
4.3
3 Dec 13 meeting Action Item 11 – Defence SA advised
Defence is to investigate
Air Force / 31 Mar 14
that they contacted railway executives regarding the
whether obtaining this
WPACO
additional meeting. The rail executives advised that an
information is possible to
additional meeting was not required as they were
enable the tracking of this
satisfied their views were put to the Board. During the
data.
call they enquired whether the Minister will be solely
responsible for rail closures. They were advised that this
was impractical but would pass on to the Board. Mr
Michael Shoebridge confirmed that it would be
impractical for the Minister to be solely responsible.
Mr Loosley raised the issue of flooding causing rail
closures and that this information would be useful to
keep for comparison purposes. Air Force is to investigate
whether obtaining this information is possible to enable
the tracking of this data.
4.4
9 Apr 13 meeting Action Item 6.1.3 ‐ The Board
reconfirmed that the Reference Group would be raised
after the legislation was introduced.
4.5
13 Jun 13 meeting Action Item 8.2 ‐ AVM Gavin Davies
Air Force / WPACO to
Air Force / 1 May 14
advised that Peter Lawrence (Chief Information Officer) is determine if to be included
WPACO
comfortable to provide briefing on Information
as an Agenda Item for
Technology issues, although was unable to attend this
Woomera meeting and if
meeting. There is a possibility that he could attend the
attendance possible.
Woomera meeting.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
3/12
5. Update on legislation status
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
5.0
Mr Shoebridge provided an update on the legislation
After discussion the Board
status. The bill was introduced as a private Senator’s bill
noted the updated and
by Senator the Hon Don Farrell. This bill is substantially
thanked DMITRE for their
similar to the previous Government’s Bill which lapsed
contribution to the RIS.
when Parliament was prorogued. The Senate referred the
bill to Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
Legislation Committee for inquiry and report. The
reporting date of 11 February 2014 was extended to 4
March 2014.
The Government intends to introduce its own bill for the
Autumn 2014 sitting to take into account some of the
consultation comments received. During the debate of
the private Senators’ bill on 13 February 2014, the
Government was urged to bring forward amendments to
this bill rather than introduce their own bill. The
Government advised that a Regulation Impact Statement
(RIS) was required and that no waiver would be given.
The RIS was produced in close consultation with the
Office of Best Practice Regulation.
5.1
Following the update the Board discussed the issue
surrounding excising Section 400. Mr Shoebridge and
AIRCDRE Noel Derwort explained the issue with safety
templates and the potential effect on other users if the
safety template had to be moved if the area was excised.
They also advised that the area would not be used for
kinetic testing but non‐kinetic testing would require the
area for the safety template. AIRCDRE Derwort also
advised that there was no risk to terrain or persons AVM
Davies noted the importance of keeping Section 400 as
part of the WPA and suggested that we should do more
to show our understanding and acknowledgement of the
cultural significance of Section 400 to the Maralinga
Tjarutja people. The Chair agreed that providing this
acknowledgement is important.
5.2 s33
5.3
The discussion moved to the up‐coming user group
WPACO to prepare draft
WPACO
End May 14
meetings and Ms Samantha Higgins advised that since
agreements for Indigenous
the Indigenous Groups were not able to make the
groups
Woomera meeting, Defence had asked them to attend
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
4/12
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
the Adelaide meeting. One group requested Defence
pay costs to enable members to attend. Contracts were
raised to affect payments to assist the groups. Ms
Higgins advised that these contracts could be a way to
start discussions once again on the working level
arrangements. The Board agreed that we cannot
continue to wait for a response from the Indigenous
Groups regarding these agreements.
6. WPA Advisory Board Annual Report
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
6.0
Mr Shoebridge provided an update on the progress of the
WPACO to add a
WPACO
8 Mar 14
Board’s Annual Report and suggested that a conclusion be
conclusion to Annual
included.
Report.
6.1
The Chair suggested that he could provide a short
Chair to provide a Chair’s
Chair
8 Mar 14
forward/Chair’s Summary for the report.
Summary for inclusion in
the Annual Report
6.2
The Board agreed to amend the front page photo and to
WPACO to amend Annual
WPACO
8 Mar 14
move the Board’s photo elsewhere in the report.
Report front page photo.
6.3
Mr Toby Forde advised that Mr Andrew Fletcher has
WPACO to add Board
WPACO
8 Mar 14
requested that Board members’ names, number of
members names, number
meetings attended and a statement of fees paid to Board
of meetings attended and
members be included. The Board agreed and that Board
a statement of fees paid
members’ representatives could be included.
to board members to the
Annual Report.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
5/12
7. Stakeholder group meeting – Conservation Council SA
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
7.0 The Board welcomed to the meeting Defence officers,
The Board advised that
Helen Blain, Director Heritage and Biodiversity
consultation with
Conservation and Mark Donaghey, Senior Environmental
Conservation SA and
Manager in South Australia.
Indigenous groups would
be ongoing and thanked
The Board also welcomed to the meeting the Conservation
Mr Wilkins and Mr Croft
Council of South Australia (Conservation SA) members, Mr
for their time.
Craig Wilkins, Chief Executive Officer since December 2013
and volunteer Mr Peter Croft, and invited Mr Wilkens to
provide an opening statement prior to opening discussion
up for questions and answers.
Conservation SA referred to the WPA as a fragile land with
significant importance and are concerned with both
environment management and Indigenous heritage. They
suggest that there are significant stretches of largely
untouched land and are concerned that additional mining
in the area would pose significant risks to the natural
environment and needs to be done in a sensitive way. Mr
Croft provided an example of damage to fragile land to
indicate that damage lasts a long time. This occurred
outside the WPA in the Yellabinna Regional Reserve and
Wilderness Protection Area where a tyre track was still
observed in a salt pan, 30 years after. Conservation SA
advised that they were happy with how Defence has been
managing the land to date and that ‘Defence tends to be a
good steward’.
Conservation SA is seeking amendments to the Bill to
reference environment requirements and that an area of
10,000 sq. kms be set aside as a Wilderness Protection
area.
The Board explained that the WPA is generally over SA
Government land, which also includes pastoral leases; and
that minerals exploration and production licences would
still be subject to any South Australian legislative or
Government requirements, which include environmental
protection and rehabilitation processes.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
6/12
8. Stakeholder group meeting – Kokatha Uwankara
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
8 s47G
The Board assured the
Kokatha Uwankara
people that consultation
would continue.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
7/12
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
s47G
9. Stakeholder group meeting – Antakirinja Matu ‐Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
9 s47G
The Board thanked
AMYAC for their
attendance.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
8/12
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
s47G
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
9/12
10. Stakeholder group meeting – Combined meeting with Maralinga Tjarutja Community Inc and
Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation
Ite
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
10 s47G
The
Board thanked the
attendees and noted
that the Board was
better informed.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
10/12
Ite
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
s47G
11. Stakeholder group meeting – South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME)
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
11.0 The Board welcomed the following South Australian
The Board thanked
Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) attendees to the
SACOME for their
meeting and invited SACOME to provide an opening
attendance and for the
statement prior to opening discussion up for questions and excellent feedback.
answers.
Jonathon Forbes, Director of Industry
Development
Dayne Eckermann, Policy Analyst and Researcher
SACOME discussed the results of a survey it had sent to its
members who are operating within the Woomera
Prohibited Area. The feedback was positive about
interactions with Defence.
11.1 Feedback was received on the Approved Personnel forms
WPACO and WTR to look
WPACO /
End May 14
and comment received was that the new form is much
at processes for
WTR
better but would like the status to be valid for a period in
approving Approved
excess of two years. They would also like to see the
Personnel and Access
Approved Personnel forms and Access request forms
Requests in parallel.
processed in parallel. Defence agreed they would look at
whether this could be amended.
11.2 There were some concerns regarding exclusions and
WPACO to look at adding WPACO
Tied to
whether the risk of exploring in the WPA was worth it. The Exclusion Period and
Legislation
Chair noted how successfully the Prominent Hill mine was
Zone management in
working and that this should be reassuring to companies
Second Reading Speech.
considering exploring in the WPA.
Mr Shoebridge explained how the exclusion periods are
managed. The Board noted that there was more work
needed in communicating how the exclusion periods and
zones are managed.
11.3 Mr Forbes requested an update on the status of the Bill
WPACO will contact
WPACO
Tied to
and Mr Shoebridge provided an update as was provided to
SACOME to get a current
Legislation
the Board in Item 5.0. Mr Forbes also raised the Reference
contact list when
Group and that the names originally provided may need to
Reference Group is to be
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
11/12
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
be reviewed. Mr Shoebridge suggested that the Reference
stood‐up.
Group may be larger than was originally intended.
12. Stakeholder meeting wrap‐up
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
12.0 The Board agreed that the meeting with stakeholders was
very useful and on balance positive. It was agreed that we
need to be proactive in finalising the Working Level
Agreements. (Action to progress the Working Level
Agreements is at Action Item 5.3)
12.1 The Deputy Chair suggested that it is too early to drop back
meetings to half yearly and that the Board should consider
maintaining its current tempo. It was also suggested that
meetings with stakeholders could be done on an annual
basis.
12.2 The Board also discussed the excision of Section 400 and
Air Force to undertake a
Air Force
14 Mar 14
undertaking a full analysis on the impact if the excision was full analysis on the
to proceed.
impact if Section 400
excised.
13. South Australian Government Update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
13
Dr Heithersay provided a presentation on the South
After discussion Board
Australian Government quarterly report. He noted that
noted SA contribution.
there were ongoing feasibility studies for Hawks Nest and
believes that this new mine will go ahead. He also noted
that the Gravity Survey data had been used by Monax
Alliance.
14. WPA Quarterly Report on WPA access
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
14
Ms Higgins presented the WPA Quarterly Statistics Report
The Board noted the
and new trend charts for the quarter ending 31 Dec 13
report.
15. WTR update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
15
Mr Carruthers provided the WTR update to the Board and
Board noted update
noted that aerial patrols had commenced in this quarter.
provided by WTR
The Compliance Monitoring Team are now ringing ahead
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
12/12
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
to advise tenement holders that they will be visiting sites.
They find that this is increasing awareness and are on
occasions being advised by tenement holders to look out
for unusual activity occurring in certain areas which they
have noticed.
16. Meeting Schedule for 2014
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
16.0 The Board noted the remaining Meeting Schedule for 2014
The Board noted the
and agreed the geographical locations and that three
remaining meeting
meetings per year be held.
schedule.
Wed‐Fri, 11‐13 Jun 14 – Woomera Prohibited
Area
Thu, 6 Nov 14 – Canberra
It was agreed to add at Woomera Prohibited Area as a
meeting location to Terms of Reference and amended to
three times per year.
16.1 The Board agreed to invite the relevant Canberra Ministers
Invite relevant Canberra
WPACO
15 Sep 14
to lunch on the day of the Canberra Board meeting on 6
Ministers to lunch on the
Nov 14.
6 Nov 14 Canberra Board
meeting.
16.2 The Chair suggested we invite the Premier to lunch on the
Invite Premier to lunch
WPACO /
Six weeks
day of the next Adelaide meeting.
on the next Adelaide
DMITRE
prior to
Board meeting.
next
Adelaide
meeting.
16.3 It was agreed to add Woomera Prohibited Area as a
WPACO to update Terms
WPACO
14 Mar 14
meeting location to Terms of Reference and amended to
of Reference.
three times per year.
16.4 Air Force agreed to look at availability of aircraft to include
Air Force agreed to look
Air Force
28 Mar 14
a visit to Maralinga during the June Board meeting in the
at Aircraft availability to
WPA.
visit Maralinga during
the 11‐13 June Board
meeting.
17. Other Business and Close
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
17
The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance at this
very productive meeting and thanked DMITRE for hosting.
UNCLASSIFIED
Serial 6
UNCLASSIFIED
MINUTES
Board:
Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) Advisory Board Meeting 2/2014
Subject of Meeting:
Second Quarterly Meeting 2014
Date:
Friday 13 June 2014
Time:
Start: 1000
Finish: 1255
Chairman:
Mr Stephen Loosley
Place / Location:
Department of Defence
Russell Offices
R1‐1‐D006 Conference Room
Canberra ACT
Members:
Mr Stephen Loosley ‐ Chair, WPA Advisory Board
Hon Paul Holloway ‐ Deputy Chair, WPA Advisory Board
Mr Angus Kirkwood, Acting FAS, Strategic Policy Division, representing DEPSEC Strategy,
Department of Defence ‐ Member
AIRMSHL Geoffrey Brown, Chief of Air Force ‐ Member
Mr Martin Hoffman, DEPSEC Resources, Department of Industry ‐ Member
Ms Jan Mason, DEPSEC Business, Procurement and Asset Management, Department of
Finance ‐ Member
Ms Pru Freeman, Deputy Executive Director Mineral Resources, representing, Deputy Chief
Executive Resources and Energy, DMITRE ‐ Member
Mr Andrew Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer, Defence SA – Member
Other Attendees
AIRCDRE Stephen Osborne, Commander Aerospace Operational Support Group
Mr Reg Carruthers, Director Woomera Test Range, Aerospace Operational Support Group
Ms Samantha Higgins, A/AS Arms Control, Strategic Policy Division, Department of Defence
Ms Alice Stanley, Defence Legal
Ms Julie Baird, WPA Secretariat
Ms Cathy Lacar, DMITRE
Mr Toby Forde, Defence SA
Dr Guy Verney, AS Policy and Advice Branch, Department of Finance
Ms Donna Sharp, Department of Industry
Apologies
Mr Peter Baxter, DEPSEC Strategy, Department of Defence ‐ Member
Dr Paul Heithersay, Deputy Chief Executive Resources and Energy, DMITRE ‐ Member
Material provided
18 February 2014 Minutes
prior to meeting:
Action Item List
WPA Quarterly Report to 31 March 2014
WPA Quarterly Resources Tenement Activity Report to 31 March 2014
Review recommendations
Updated Terms of Reference
UNCLASSIFIED
Final
UNCLASSIFIED
2/7
1. Opening of Official Board Meeting
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
1.0
Opening: Mr Stephen Loosley (Chair) opened the
meeting. Mr Loosley thanked attendees, noted apologies
and welcomed representatives.
2. Administration
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
2.0
Ms Samantha Higgins (Defence) provided the
Administration brief.
3. Minutes
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
3.0
The Minutes from 18 February 2014 were endorsed.
4. Review of Action Items
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
4.0
A review of the Action Item list was then undertaken by
The Board noted the action
the Board.
items and that completed
items could be closed.
4.1
There was a discussion on Action Item 4.5 from 18
WPACO to close Action
February 2014 meeting regarding a possible briefing by
Item. Air Force to keep
the Chief Information Officer on Information Technology
Board informed on
infrastructure for the Woomera Test Range. It was
progress.
agreed that this is best managed by Air Force in
conjunction with the internal Defence Woomera
Executive Board if required. The Chair requested that Air
Force keep the Board informed on the issue and
confirmed that the Action item could be closed.
4.2
Ms Higgins raised the Action Item 11.1 from the 18
WPACO to close Action
February 2014 meeting on the Approved Personnel
Item.
process and advised the Board how WPACO and WTR
manage the Approved Personnel process through shared
folders and confirmed that it is working well and that the
information is available in real time.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
3/7
4.3
There was a discussion regarding Action Item 4.3 from
The Board agreed to close
the 18 February 2014 meeting on tracking of Rail data.
this Action Item.
Mr Reg Carruthers (Air Force) advised that the data is
difficult to track formally but would continue to keep an
awareness of closures and noted the importance of
building a relationship with the Railway. AIRMSHL
Geoffrey Brown (Chief of Air Force) confirmed that
information would be useful to enable Defence to work
with the Rail in the scheduling of trials. AIRMSHL Brown
also suggested that real‐time data on train movements
would be useful.
Ms Higgins mentioned that rail users originally raised
concerns in their Senate Committee submission but were
happier with the latest version of the Bill. Ms Higgins also
mentioned that Defence would progress a Working Level
Agreement with the Australian Rail Track Corporation
(ARTC) and that ARTC had acknowledged that they held
the outstanding action.
5. Legislative status update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
5.0
Before commencing the update Mr Angus Kirkwood
The Board noted the move
(Defence) advised the Board that Mr Michael Shoebridge
of Mr Shoebridge and the
was leaving the position of FASSP to take up a new
Chair thanked him for his
position.
contribution.
5.1
Mr Kirkwood then provided the Board with an update on
After discussion the Board
the Legislation. Mr Kirkwood thanked DMITRE and
noted the update of the
Defence SA for their contribution regarding the
Legislation.
amendment to compensation rights.
Mr Kirkwood also provided a brief on the details on the
questions raised by the Parliamentary Joint Committee of
Human Rights and the Standing Committee for the
Scrutiny of Bills and Defence’s responses. One of the
queries related to a search of a person without consent.
Defence advised that the power is required to ensure
that people leaving the WPA are not removing war
materiel or equipment. The Chair noted that the search
power was an important power to have.
5.2
The Chair asked how close the Rules are to being
The Board agreed that the
Industry,
20 Jun 14
finalised. Mr Hoffman advised that they still have some
Department of Industry,
DMITRE/
significant points resulting from feedback received from
DMITRE/Defence SA and
Defence
the mining industry. After some debate it was agreed
Defence would meet the
SA and
that the Department of Industry, DMITRE/Defence SA
following week to resolve.
Defence
and Defence would meet the following week to resolve.
Defence confirmed the Rule will be a disallowable
instrument.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
4/7
6. Indigenous update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
6.0
Mr Kirkwood provided the Board with an update on the
After discussion the
excision of Section 400 from the WPA. He advised the
Board noted the update
Board that the Minister for Defence was interested in the
on the Excision on
possibility of holding a ceremony in either Maralinga or
Section and agreed that
Adelaide.
the excision of Section
There was a discussion around a new map of the WPA and
400 was a good outcome.
that this could take up to three months to complete due to
the process involved with the surveying work and the
DMITRE to work towards
DMITRE
standards that are required. DMITRE agreed to lead
the production of new
development of the new map.
WPA map
Defence confirmed that it does not have to re‐declare the
whole area after excision and that it will not seek to
increase the size of the WPA by the amount to be excised.
6.1
Mr Kirkwood then provided the Board with an update on
Following some
Indigenous Working Level Agreements (WLAs). He advised
discussion on the liaison
that following initial discussions last year and in response
undertaken by the
to Defence’s proposed development approach, Maralinga
Compliance Monitoring
Tjarutja (MT) had written to Defence outlining a number of Team with Indigenous
additional considerations that they would like to see
groups, the Board noted
included. MT had also advised that they are not resourced
the update.
and have requested funding. Defence is considering the
funding request.
It was noted that it is unlikely that all matters would be
contained in one omnibus document and that
development of WLAs would be an iterative process.
Defence is currently drafting an agreement to respond to
MT focussing on communication protocols and access
arrangements to ensure safety and security on the WPA,
whilst acknowledging traditional ceremonial activities that
may occur.
7. WPA Advisory Board Annual Report update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
7.0 Ms Higgins provided an update on the WPA Advisory Board WPACO to commence
WPACO
Oct 14
Annual Report, confirmed that it would be published
the next Annual Report
online and that relevant SA Ministers will be sent a copy.
for the period 1 October
Mr Hoffman queried the timetable for the next Annual
2013 to 30 June 2014.
report and whether it was proposed to continue with the
October to September period. It was agreed that as a
transition the next Annual Report would cover the period 1
October 2013 to 30 June 2014 and is to be published by 31
October 2014 and subsequent Annual Reports by financial
year.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
5/7
8. Review recommendation update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
8.0
Ms Higgins provided an update on the recommendations
The Board noted the
of the Review of the WPA.
update and agreed the
following two action
items.
8.1
There was some discussion regarding the Reference Group. WPACO to distribute
WPACO
30 Jun 14
Mr Paul Holloway (Deputy Chair) noted that the role of the
revised Terms of
Reference Group is now different than what was originally
Reference and proposed
envisaged. It was agreed that Ms Higgins is to send out the membership and Board
latest version of the Terms of Reference and proposed
to progressed and
membership and that this would be progressed and agreed agreed out of session.
out of session by the Board.
8.2
Mr Andrew Fletcher (Defence SA) noted that the MOU was
Defence SA/WPACO to
Defence
30 Sep 14
outdated and proposed a shorter document. It was agreed draft a revised MOU.
SA/WPACO
that WPACO and Defence SA would draft a revised MOU.
It was also agreed that existing users and their rights to
continue to occupy under existing arrangements would be
referenced in MOU.
9. South Australian Government update
Item
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
9.0
Ms Freeman provided a presentation titled Resources
Following discussion the
Update June 2014.
Board noted the
presentation.
9.1
Ms Freeman advised that as at 1 July 2014 there will be the
establishment of a new Department known as the
Department of State Development (DSD). This involves
the merger of DMITRE, DFEEST, Arts SA, Aboriginal Affairs
and Reconciliation, and Office of the Economic
Development Board and Invest SA, plus Health Industries
South Australia (HealthInSA). DSD will have a wide range
of functions with six or possibly seven Ministers. DMITRE’s
policy and procedures will apply across the new
Department.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
6/7
10. WPA Quarterly Report on WPA access
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
10
Ms Higgins and Mr Carruthers presented the WPA
The Board noted the
Quarterly Statistics Report for the quarter ending 31 Mar
report.
14.
Mr Carruthers sought confirmation if Board was still happy
with the Woomera Test Range (WTR) format of the report.
The Board agreed.
WPACO to report on the
WPACO
The Board queried whether the statistics may involve some total of Approved Person
duplication of actual individuals seeking approval to the
applications and also the
WPA.
total number of
individual persons.
11. WTR update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
11.0 Mr Carruthers provided the WTR update to the Board and
The Board noted the
advised ‘Board‐in‐Confidence’ the possibility of the
update provided by WTR
establishment of RAAF Base Woomera.
and took on notice the
Mr Carruthers also provided a presentation on Green Zone
issue of the Green Zone
management and an issue surrounding the management of management.
the Corridor and Green Zones.
12. Meeting Schedule for 2014
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
16.0 The Board discussed the timing of the remaining 2014
WPACO to reschedule
WPACO
30 Jun 14
December meeting. Mr Hoffman and Dr Heithersay have a
December meeting and
meeting on the 11th December which conflicts with the
dinner.
Advisory Board dates. The Board agreed to look at the
possibility of bringing forward the Woomera meeting and
dinner to earlier in the week.
It was noted that the Board’s Terms of Reference refer to
meetings being scheduled quarterly and that the Board
had previously agreed to three meetings a year for the
immediate future.
Note: WPACO had previously amended the Terms of
Reference to reflect that meetings would be held each year
in Adelaide, Canberra and the Woomera Prohibited Area
and this is reflected in paragraph 20. Paragraph 13 was
not amended as it reflects that the Board should meet
quarterly at the beginning, moving to half yearly. As the
Board is still in the process of moving to half yearly this
paragraph remains current.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
7/7
13. Other Business and Close
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
17
The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance and
noted the need to finalise outstanding issues with the WPA
Rules within the next week.
WPACO Contact Details
Woomera Prohibited Area Coordination Office
Samantha Higgins
Julie Baird
A/ASAC
WPACO Secretariat
1300 727 420
02 6265 3043
02 6265 3008
xxxxx.xxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
xxxxxxxx.xxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx xxxxx.xxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
UNCLASSIFIED
Serial 7
UNCLASSIFIED
MINUTES
Board:
Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) Advisory Board Meeting 3/2014
Subject of Meeting:
Third Meeting 2014
Date:
Tuesday 9 December 2014
Time:
Start: 1000
Finish: 2200
Chairman:
Mr Stephen Loosley
Place / Location:
Woomera Prohibited Area
CMT Conference Room, Building 657 (Just behind Butement Square of Derwang Avenue)
Members:
Mr Stephen Loosley ‐ Chair, WPA Advisory Board
Hon Paul Holloway ‐ Deputy Chair, WPA Advisory Board
Mr Peter Baxter, DEPSEC Strategy, Department of Defence ‐ Member
AIRCDRE Stephen Osborne, CDR AOSG representing Chief of Air Force ‐ Member
Ms Kathy Harman, General Manager, Coal & Minerals Productivity Branch representing
DEPSEC Resources, Department of Industry ‐ Member
Mr Robin Renwick, Acting First Assistant Secretary, Commercial and Claims Division
Business, representing DEPSEC Business, Procurement and Asset Management,
Department of Finance ‐ Member
Ms Pru Freeman, Deputy Executive Director Mineral Resources, representing Deputy Chief
Executive Resources and Energy, Department of State Development (DSD)‐ Member
Mr Malcolm Jackman, Chief Executive Officer, Defence SA – Member (pending appointment)
Other Attendees
Mr Reg Carruthers, Director Woomera Test Range, Aerospace Operational Support Group
Ms Samantha Higgins, A/AS Arms Control, Strategic Policy Division, Department of Defence
Ms Caroline Chalker, Director WPACO
Mr Chris Guselli, Defence Legal
Ms Julie Baird, WPA Secretariat
Mr Nick Covey, WPACO
Ms Louanne Holmback‐Piggott, WPACO
Ms Cathy Lacar, Department of State Development (DSD)
Ms Georgette Elston, Defence SA
Apologies
AIRMSHL Geoffrey Brown AO, Chief of Air Force ‐ Member
Ms Jan Mason, DEPSEC Business, Procurement and Asset Management, Department of
Finance ‐ Member
Mr Martin Hoffman, DEPSEC Resources, Department of Industry ‐ Member
Dr Paul Heithersay, Deputy Chief Executive Resources and Energy, Department of State
Development (DSD)‐ Member
Material provided
13 June 2014 Minutes
prior to meeting:
Action Item List
WPA Quarterly Reports to 30 June and 30 September 2014
WPA Quarterly Resources Tenement Activity Reports to 30 June 2014 and 30 September
2014
Parliamentary Sitting Calendar 2015
Final report on Review Recommendations
WPA Users/Stakeholder Group briefs
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2/7
1. Opening of Official Board Meeting
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
1.0
Opening: Mr Stephen Loosley (Chair) opened the
Board to send note of
Chair
30 Jan 15
meeting. The Chair thanked attendees, noted apologies
congratulations.
and welcomed representatives. The Chair also welcomed
Mr Malcolm Jackman, Chief Executive Officer Defence SA
to the Board.
The Board wished to pass on its congratulations to Ms Jan
Mason on her recent award.
2. Administration
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
2.0
Ms Samantha Higgins (Defence) provided the
Administration brief.
Mr Reg Carruthers gave a short brief on the airfield
activities at lunch time.
3. Minutes
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
3.0
The Minutes from 13 June 2014 were endorsed with no
changes.
4. Review of Action Items
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
4.0
A review of the Action Item list was then undertaken by
The Board noted the action
the Board.
items and that completed
items could be closed.
5. User Group meeting – Paul Reynolds and Boro Rapaic, Coober Pedy Miners Association
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
5.0
The Chair welcomed Mr Paul Reynolds and Mr Boro
The Chair wished Mr
WTR
Prior to
Rapaic from the Coober Pedy Miners Association and
Reynolds and Mr Rapaic the
next
thanked them for taking the time to meet with the Board. best of luck with their
closure.
Introductions were then conducted around the table.
prospecting and thanked
them both for their time.
Mr Reynolds and Mr Rapaic then provided the Board with WTR to look at closure
an overview of their experiences with Opal mining within
notice signage for Opal
the WPA. Mr Reynolds advised that he found everything
miners.
to be going quite well and that they had been receiving
quite a few letters recently from the WPA Coordination
Office (WPACO). Some key comments centered on the
difficulties experienced by some members with
completing the required forms, compliance patrols and
the notification of closures. Mr Rapaic felt that it would
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
3/7
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
be helpful if signs advising of the upcoming closures
could be placed on the main entrances to the fields a few
weeks prior to the closure. Mr Reynolds felt that the
signs would be better placed within town.
There was some discussion around compliance
monitoring and patrols. Mr Carruthers advised that
members could expect to see a greater compliance
monitoring presence in the future now that the
legislation has been implemented.
6. User group meeting – Ryan Koch, Exploration Geologist and Adam Bond, Project Manager, SAPEX (Petroleum Deed)
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
6.0
The Board welcomed Mr Ryan Koch, Exploration Geologist
After discussion the
and Mr Adam Bond, Project Manager of Linc Energy
Board wished SAPEX well
(SAPEX) and thanked them for coming to speak with the
in their exploration
Board. Introductions were then made. SAPEX provided a
endeavours and thanked
PowerPoint presentation on
their petroleum tenements
them for their
both within and outside of the WPA.
They are in the
presentation.
process of drilling three wells in the Arckaringa Basin, one
of which is located within the WPA. In late January‐early
February an Atlas Drilling Rig will arrive at Fox 1 which is
located within the WPA. This work is expected to take
approximately 30 days. SAPEX also has plans to drill wells
on their other tenements in the WPA within the next few
years.
The Board was interested in the possible future
infrastructure requirements. Mr Bond advised that there
would be a reasonable footprint required which would
include roads, pipelines and tank farms.
There was a discussion on the transfer of the Deed of
Access to a Permit and Mr Koch sought confirmation that
the transfer to a permit would be seamless. The company
confirmed that it had just submitted its permit application.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
4/7
7. User group meeting – Connie Beadell, Beadell Tours
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
7.0
The Board extended a warm welcome to Ms Connie
The Board thanked Ms
WPACO
30 Jan 15
Beadell from Beadell Tours and introductions were made.
Beadell for a fascinating
presentation.
Ms Beadell then proceeded to provide the Board with an
WPACO to look at
overview of their operations. Ms Beadell, along with her
advising alternative
husband Mick Hutton, runs tag along tours which often
routes during exclusion
include driving through the WPA. In the past this had
periods.
included tours of the Red Zone (Mt. Eba Road), although
Ms Beadell noted that this has not been permitted for
some time. As a result their tours are no longer as
focussed on the town of Woomera.
Ms Beadell advised that early notice of exclusion periods is
important for their business to enable the scheduling or
rescheduling of tours. She also mentioned that the
website is very useful in providing information about the
exclusion periods.
Ms Beadell noted that most people crossing the Anne
Beadell Highway were small 4WD groups – not tour
groups. There are 45 plaques in the desert placed
throughout the area by Len Beadell. Beadell Tours
maintain these and replace the many that have been
stolen over the years.
When asked about tours to Maralinga Tjarutja lands, Ms
Beadell advised that they had trouble contacting anyone at
Maralinga to get permission to enter. They had tried
several times to seek to visit Emu and Maralinga Village
but were not able to visit.
Ms Beadell advised that her husband has been worried
about the highway closure affecting Ilkurlka Roadhouse in
Western Australia as their visitor numbers have dropped
off. A suggestion was to provide notification of an
alternative route such as north from Cook to Vokes Hill
Corner.
8. Static display and F/A‐18 Hornet air display
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
8.0
The Board proceeded to the airfield to engage with
stakeholders and view the static display and F/A‐18 air
display.
9. WPACO update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
9.0
Ms Higgins provided the WPACO update and covered the
Following discussion the
following areas:
Board noted the updates
and agreed the Action
Legislation update
Item on investigating an
The Board was advised that the
Defence Legislation
alternative option for the
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
5/7
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
Amendment (Woomera Prohibited Area) Act 2014 passed
Reference Group.
through the Senate on 26 June 2014, passed through the
House of Representatives 16 July 2014 and received Royal
Assent on 8 August 2014 and is now in effect. The
legislation established Part VIB of the Defence Act. The
amendments are supported by the Woomera Prohibited
Area Rule 2014 which provides for the issue of permits and
access to the WPA. The Rule was placed on the Federal
Register of Legislative Instruments on 26 August 2014.
Section 400 update
Ms Higgins updated those Board members who were
unable to attend the recent acknowledgement event for
the excision of Section 400 of the Maralinga lands from the
WPA. The event was held on 5 November 2014 with the
Maralinga Tjarutja community at Maralinga airfield. The
event was attended by approximately 300 people,
including the Minister for Defence, Senator David
Johnston; the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator
Nigel Scullion; Senator for South Australia, Senator Nick
Xenophon; the Member for Grey, Rowan Ramsey; the
South Australian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs;
Reconciliation Ian Hunter, and a number of Board
members.
Workshops Adelaide and Coober Pedy
Defence, along with Department of State Development
(DSD) representatives, hosted a workshop in Adelaide on
13 October 2014 and another in Coober Pedy on 14
October 2014. The Adelaide workshop was to update
exploration
companies
and
resource
sector
representatives, on the amended Defence legislation and
outline the implications for their access to the WPA.
Approximately 40 people attended the Adelaide workshop.
The Coober Pedy workshop was to update Opal miners and
extractive mineral businesses on the new Defence
legislation and outline the implications for their access to
the WPA. Approximately 15‐20 people attended the
Coober Pedy workshop.
Ms Higgins thanked the Department of State Development
for the use of their offices and Mr Peter Lane for his
assistance with the Opal miners and the processing of their
access notification paperwork.
Working Level Agreements update
Ms Higgins provided an update on Working Level
Agreements and advised that Defence is progressing the
development of draft working level agreements to
establish communication protocols with Indigenous
groups, and permissions for the Pastoralists and the
Railway.
Reference Group update
A revised Terms of Reference and membership list was
circulated for working level comment in late October. To
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UNCLASSIFIED
6/7
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
date, Defence SA and Department of Industry have
provided comments which are being consolidated.
It was agreed by the Board that a Town Hall style of
meeting would not work for the various stakeholder
groups noting their individual needs and circumstances. It
was suggested that, as an alternative, we could look at an
electronic forum or feedback via the website; and base a
Reference Group on the communication Defence is already
undertaking with different stakeholder groups.
WPA Advisory Board Annual Report update
Ms Higgins advised that Defence is consolidating some
final amendments to the Annual Report and hopes to
proceed to publication shortly.
Review recommendation update
Ms Higgins sought comments on the Final Report of the
review recommendations which was distributed to the
Board along with the final agenda. The Board noted the
report and agreed that this would be the final update on
the review recommendations.
10. WPA Quarterly Report on WPA access including WTR update
Item
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
10.0 Ms Caroline Chalker provided the WPACO Quarterly Report Following discussion the
update. The Board was advised that since the new
Board noted the update.
legislation was introduced 10 permits have been issued,
seven of which were to replace existing Deeds of Access
and three of the permits were from new applicants. An
additional three applications to transfer Deeds of Access
were in progress.
Ms Chalker also advised that Defence had drafted a
response for the Minister to send to the Deputy Prime
Minister in relation to a representation by South Australian
Road Transport Association about the impact of the
planned road closures. This letter included details of the
various ways in which Defence advises stakeholders of the
closures. Defence will continue to engage with
stakeholders and users of the WPA to examine ways in
which notification management processes and
communication can be improved.
10.1 Mr Reg Carruthers provided the WTR update to the Board
The Board noted the
and also advised that the introduction of aerial patrols
update provided by
earlier in the year had assisted the Compliance Monitoring
WTR.
Team in focussing their ground patrols. Mr Carruthers also
noted that there were some lessons learnt during their
recent trial.
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7/7
11. South Australian Government update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
11
Ms Pru Freeman provided the South Australian
Following discussion the
WPACO
24 Dec 14
Government update and advised that exploration within
Board noted the
the WPA is picking up, particularly in the eastern part.
presentation.
WPACO to send copy of
Mr Malcolm Jackman advised that a 10 year State Policy
the South Australian
for Defence is to be released soon, which includes mention Government PowerPoint
of Woomera. Mr Jackman noted that testing within the
presentation.
WPA brings economic investment to the state, as will the
Range upgrade.
Noting the timings for the day it was agreed that the
formal PowerPoint presentation would not be shown. This
would be emailed to Board members separately.
12. Meeting Schedule for 2015
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
12.0 The Chair suggested three Board meetings take place in
WPACO to liaise with
WPACO
15 Feb 14
2015 – March in Adelaide, June/July in Woomera and
relevant parties and
November/December in Canberra.
coordinate schedule.
13. Other Business and Meeting Close
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
13
The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance and also
thanked the Compliance Monitoring Team for hosting the
meeting.
14. Official Dinner
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
#
14
The Board attended the WPA Stakeholders dinner hosted
by AIRCDRE Osborne where Mr Loosley and Mr Baxter
provided short speeches.
The guest speaker, WGCDR Jonathon McMullan, CO
5FLT, RAAF Base Amberley, spoke about how the
experience and training conducted at Woomera had a
direct effect on preparing the pilots for their operational
deployments to Afghanistan.
WPACO Contact Details
Woomera Prohibited Area Coordination Office
Caroline Chalker
Julie Baird
Director WPACO
WPACO Secretariat
1300 727 420
02 6266 0287
02 6265 3008
xxxxx.xxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
xxxxxxxx.xxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
xxxxx.xxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
UNCLASSIFIED
Serial 8
UNCLASSIFIED
MINUTES
Board:
Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) Advisory Board Meeting 1/2015
Subject of Meeting:
First Meeting 2015
Date:
Friday 1 May 2015
Time:
Start: 1000
Finish: 1400
Chairman:
Mr Stephen Loosley AM
Place / Location:
Defence SA Board Room
Level 4, 151 Pirie St
Adelaide SA 5000
Members:
Mr Stephen Loosley AM ‐ Chair, WPA Advisory Board
The Hon Paul Holloway ‐ Deputy Chair, WPA Advisory Board
Ms Samantha Higgins, Acting Assistant Secretary Arms Control , representing
Mr Peter Baxter, Deputy Secretary Strategy, Department of Defence ‐ Member
AIRMSHL Geoffrey Brown AO, Chief of Air Force ‐ Member
Ms Tooey Elliott, Acting First Assistant Secretary, representing Ms Jan Mason, DEPSEC
Business, Procurement and Asset Management, Department of Finance ‐ Member
Mr John Ryan, Associate Secretary, Department of Industry and Science ‐ Member
Dr Paul Heithersay, Deputy Chief Executive Resources and Energy, Department of State
Development (DSD) ‐ Member
Mr Malcolm Jackman, Chief Executive Officer, Defence SA ‐ Member
Other Attendees and
Ms Caroline Chalker, Director WPACO
support
Mr Chris Guselli, Defence Legal
Ms Julie Baird, WPA Secretariat
Mr Reg Carruthers, Director Woomera Test Range, Aerospace Operational Support Group
Ms Pru Freeman, Deputy Executive Director Mineral Resources (DSD)
Ms Cathy Lacar, Department of State Development (DSD)
Ms Georgette Elston, Defence SA
Apologies
Mr Peter Baxter, Deputy Secretary Strategy, Department of Defence ‐ Member
Ms Jan Mason, DEPSEC Business, Procurement and Asset Management, Department of
Finance – Member
Dr Paul Heithersay, Deputy Chief Executive Resources and Energy, Department of State
Development (DSD) ‐ Member (Absent from 1000‐1120)
Material provided
9 December 2014 Minutes
prior to meeting:
Action Item List
WPA Quarterly Report
WPA Quarterly Resources Tenement Activity
WPACO Contact Details
Woomera Prohibited Area Coordination
Caroline Chalker
Julie Baird
Office
Director
WPACO
WPACO
Secretariat
1300 727 420
02 6266 0287
02 6265 3008
xxxxx.xxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
xxxxxxxx.xxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx xxxxx.xxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
2/6
1. Opening of Official Board Meeting
Ite
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
1.0
Opening: Mr Stephen Loosley (Chair) opened the
The Board noted the
meeting. The Chair welcomed attendees and
updates.
representatives, and thanked Defence SA for hosting
the meeting.
The Chair advised the Board that Ms Jan Mason was
on leave pending retirement and extended the Board’s
thanks for the contribution of Ms Mason. Mr John
Edge is acting in the position, but was not available to
attend the meeting and Ms Tooey Elliot was welcomed
as the Department of Finance representative.
The Chair noted that this was the last meeting of the
Chief of Air Force, AIRMSHL Geoffrey Brown. He
extended the Board’s thanks and noted the excellent
contribution and active support provided by AIRMSHL
Brown.
It was noted that the
ex officio appointment of Mr
Malcolm Jackman is still pending the Prime Minister’s
approval.
Mr John Ryan was welcomed to his first meeting. The
Chair advised that the paperwork for the
ex officio appointment for Mr Ryan is progressing.
2. Administration
Ite
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
2.0
Ms Samantha Higgins (Defence) provided the
The Board noted the
Administration brief.
Administration brief.
The Deputy Chair, Mr Paul Holloway, extended the
Board’s congratulations to Mr Loosley on his Australia
Day Honour.
3. Minutes
Ite
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
3.0
The Minutes of 9 December meeting were endorsed
The Minutes were
with no changes.
endorsed.
4. Review of Action Items
Ite
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
4.0
A review of the Action Item list was then undertaken.
WPACO to close the four
WPACO
31 May 15
The Board agreed that the following action items could action items as agreed by
be closed:
Board and add Demerit
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UNCLASSIFIED
3/6
Ite
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
Meeting 9 Dec 14 #5 Exclusion Period ‐ signage
System review to the
Meeting 9 Dec 14 #7 Exclusion Period ‐ alternate
Board’s next Agenda.
routes
Meeting 18 Feb 15 #16.1 and 16.2 Invitations
Ms Higgins suggested that as the next meeting will be
held in about one year from the legislation being
passed, the Demerit Points Action Item from 13 Jun 13
4.4 on the Demerit System could now be included on
the Board’s next Agenda.
5. WPACO update
Ite
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
5.0
Ms Higgins updated the Board on the implementation
5.1: WPACO to review the
WPACO
2016 Rule
of the Legislation, recent acquisitions, Reference
application of the
Review
Group and Existing User arrangements.
Legislative Instruments Act
2003 to the exclusion
5.1
There was a discussion by the Board on the delay in
notification requirements
notifying users of cancellation or temporary
in the
Woomera
suspension of exclusion period due to the requirement
Prohibited Rule 2014.
to first place notice of these on the Federal Register of
WPACO Note: The
Legislative Instruments. It was agreed that this
requirements of the
needed to be investigated further.
Legislation dictate the
process that is to be
followed. Without an
amendment to the Rule
the Commonwealth is
obligated to comply.
5.2
Ms Higgins advised Board members that Cu‐River had
5.2: The Board noted the
applied to WPACO for an ‘in‐principle’ approval of a
Cu‐River applications and
Resource Exploration permit for seven exploration
subsequent approvals.
tenements and a Resource Production permit of the
acquisition for the Cairn Hill mine. Both applications
for ‘in‐principle approval were granted.
5.3
The Board discussed the ‘virtual’ Reference Group and
5.3: A 12 month
Defence
15 Jul 15
agreed that the stakeholder engagement that is
engagement plan to be
SA
already being undertaken should continue along with
developed and included
/WPACO
an agreed 12 month engagement plan.
on the Board’s next
Agenda.
5.4
Ms Higgins advised that prior to the Board meeting
Defence
15 Jun 15
lawyers representing S. Kidman and Co (a pastoral
5.4: Defence SA
SA
company which owns a number of pastoral properties, continuing to progress
including Anna Creek which is located within the WPA)
changes to the SA
met with WPACO representatives to discuss sale of the conveyancing law to note
company. Mr Jackman then provided the Board with
the Defence Act.
some background on the Kidman company and the
expected interest in the properties.
UNCLASSIFIED
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4/6
Ite
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
Ms Higgins noted that Defence SA is progressing
mechanisms to address the need for South Australia to
amend its conveyancing law to advise pastoralist
buying and selling within the WPA that it is covered by
the Defence Act. Ms Higgins also advised that Defence
will be working on ‘in‐principle’ approval application
forms for prospective buyers and the conditions which
might be placed on any purchaser.
5.5
The Board was advised that the 'Working Level
5.5: WPACO to progress a
WPACO
30 Sep 15
Agreement' drafted for discussion/negotiation with
formal Permission for each
the Maralinga Tjarutja (MT) had not yet been
user group and a specific
considered by the MT as the new Manager has been
Direction for each
unwell since commencement. Their legal adviser
exclusion period.
indicated Defence should not to expect advice anytime
soon. The Board agreed that it would be beneficial to
adopt a consistent approach with all 'existing users'
and supported the progression of a formal Permission
for each of these groups; and the issuing of a
specific Direction for each exclusion period.
6. Use of the WPA for non‐Defence purposes testing
Ite
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
6.0 s33
Department of Industry,
Departme
30 Sep 15
Innovation and Science
nt of
and WPACO to
Industry,
investigate the options
Innovation
to broaden the Space
and
Activities Act and the
Science /
WPA Rule to extend
WPACO
types of testing that can
be undertaken at
Woomera.
The Board discussed possible solutions which included
suggested changes to the Space Activities Act and the
WPA Rule. It was agreed that Australia’s national
interest needed to be considered against economic and
other interests. Mr Jackman noted there could be an
economic benefit to the State to allow other use. A
change to the WPA Rule could be by a two Minister
approval process. The Board agreed that further
detailed analysis of forward space opportunities would
be required before changing the WPA Rule to broaden
the types of exclusionary activities that can be
undertaken at Woomera. The SA Government
expressed concern that changing the WPA Rule, by the
two Minister approval process, would effect a de facto
change to coexistence policy without full consultations.
s33
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5/6
Ite
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
6.1
Mr Ryan then provided a brief on the National
Radioactive waste management project and the call for
The Board noted the
nominations from landowners.
brief.
7. WPA Quarterly Report on WPA access
Ite
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
7.0
Ms Caroline Chalker provided the WPACO Quarterly
The Board noted the
Report update. The Board was advised that since the
update provided.
new legislation was introduced 37 permits have been
issued and that 14 letters have been sent to Deed
holders who had not yet applied to transition to a
permit. Ms Chalker noted the decline in approved
person applications.
8. WTR update
Ite
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
8.0
Mr Reg Carruthers provided the Woomera Test Range
Following discussion
(WTR) update to the Board and advised that WTR had
the Board noted the Air
recently hosted rail executives at the base. He noted
Force update.
that the relationship was now quite strong.
AIRMSHL Geoffrey Brown advised that RAAF Base
Woomera has now been established.
9. South Australian Government update
Ite
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
9.0
Ms Pru Freeman provided the Department of State
Following discussion
Development update and Dr Paul Heithersay briefed the the Board noted the
Board on the Copper Strategy for South Australia and
presentation and
the upcoming Copper Summit.
updates.
Mr Jackman provided the Board with the Defence SA
brief and noted a number of the current Defence
projects underway. There was also a short discussion
on Defence’s First Principles Review.
10. Meeting Schedule for 2015
Ite
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
10.0 Mr Carruthers is to investigate if the next Board
WTR to investigate
WTR
15 Jun 15
meeting in Woomera can be aligned with WTR, perhaps
options for next Board
Hi‐Fire, or 20 Squadron activity.
meeting in Woomera.
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6/6
11. Other Business and Meeting Close
Ite
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
m #
11.0 The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance and
again emphasised the Board’s appreciation to AIRMSHL
Brown and wished him the best for his future.
UNCLASSIFIED
Serial 9
UNCLASSIFIED
MINUTES
Board:
Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) Advisory Board Meeting 1/2016
Subject of Meeting:
First Meeting 2016
Date:
Monday 18 July 2016
Time:
Start: 1330
Finish: 1557
Chairman:
Mr Stephen Loosley AM
Place / Location:
Defence Committee Room
Level 5, Building R 1
Russell ACT 26002
Members:
Mr Stephen Loosley AM ‐ Chair, WPA Advisory Board
The Hon Paul Holloway ‐ Deputy Chair, WPA Advisory Board
Air Marshal Leo Davies AO, CSC ‐ Chief of Air Force
Mr Tom Hamilton ‐ First Assistant Secretary Strategic Policy, representing
Deputy Secretary, Strategic Policy and Intelligence, Department of Defence
Mr John Edge ‐ Deputy Secretary, Commercial and Government Services, Department of
Finance
Mr Rob Heferen ‐ Deputy Secretary, Department of Industry, Innovation and Science
Ms Pru Freeman ‐ Deputy Executive Director Mineral Resources, representing Dr Paul
Heithersay PSM, Deputy Chief Executive Resources and Energy, Department of State
Development
Mr Andy Keough CSC ‐ Chief Executive Officer, Defence SA
Other Attendees and
Mr John Anderson, A/AS Arms Control/ Director, WPACO
support
Mr Chris Guselli, Defence Legal
Mr Nick Covey, WPACO Secretariat
AIRCDRE Stephen Meredith AM, Commander, Air Warfare Centre
Mr Reg Carruthers, Director Woomera Test Range, Air Warfare Centre
Ms Cathy Lacar, Project and Policy Officer, representing Ms Pru Freeman, Deputy
Executive Director, Mineral Resources, Department of State Development (DSD)
Ms Julie Barbaro, Executive Director, Strategy and Communication and Performance and
Government Relations Defence SA
Apologies
Dr Paul Heithersay ‐ Deputy Chief Executive Resources and Energy, Department of State
Development (DSD) ‐ Member
Ms Samantha Higgins ‐ Assistant Secretary, Arms Control, Department of Defence
Material provided
1 May 2015 Minutes
prior to meeting:
WPA Advisory Board Annual Report 2014‐15
Review of the Advisory Board – Terms of Reference
Draft agenda – WAP Advisory Board meeting 18 July 2016
WPACO Contact Details
Woomera Prohibited Area Coordination
John Anderson
Nick Covey
Office
Director
WPACO
WPACO
Secretariat
1300 727 420
02 6266 0287
02 6265 7888
xxxxx.xxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx xxxx.xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
xxxxxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
2/10
1. Opening of Meeting
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
1.0
Opening: Mr Stephen Loosley (Chair) opened the
The Board noted the
meeting. The Chair provided an
Acknowledgement of
updates.
Country and welcomed the new WPA Board (Board)
members and supporting staff.
New Board ex officio members include:
Air Marshal Leo Davies AO, CSC ‐ Chief of Air Force
(CAF);
Mr John Edge ‐ Deputy Secretary, Commercial and
Government Services, Department of Finance;
Mr Andy Keough CSC ‐ Chief Executive Officer,
Defence SA; and
Mr Rob Heferen ‐ Deputy Secretary, Department
of Industry, Innovation and Science (appointment
pending).
The Chair advised the Board that Mr Peter Baxter,
Deputy Secretary, Strategic Policy and Intelligence,
was on leave pending retirement and that Mr Tom
Hamilton, First Assistant Secretary Strategic Policy,
was representing Mr Baxter.
Other representatives attending the WPA Board for
the first time were welcomed including:
Air Commodore Stephen Meredith AM,
Commander, Air Warfare Centre; and
Ms Julie Barbaro, Executive Director, Strategy and
Communication and Performance and
Government Relations, Defence SA.
Apologies were received from:
Dr Paul Heithersay ‐ Deputy Chief Executive
Resources and Energy, Department of State
Development (DSD) – Member; and
Ms Samantha Higgins ‐ Assistant Secretary, Arms
Control, Department of Defence
2. Administration
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
2.0
Mr Anderson provided the administration brief.
The Board noted the brief.
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3/10
3. Endorsement of Minutes from 1 May 2015 and the 2014‐15 WPA Advisory Board Annual Report
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
3.0
The Minutes of the 1 May 2015 meeting were
The Minutes were
WPACO
29 July 16
endorsed with no changes.
endorsed.
The 2014‐2015 WPA Advisory Board Annual Report
The Annual Report was
was endorsed with no changes.
endorsed.
The report will be
published on the WPACO
website.
4. Review of the WPA Advisory Board
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
4.0
The Chair opened the discussion about the review of
Industry/ WPACO to
WPACO
End
the Advisory Board and invited Mr Anderson to
coordinate consultation
September
outline the conduct of the review.
for the three reviews: Post
2016
Implementation Review,
Mr Anderson outlined that the Terms of Reference
2016 Interim Rule Review
would guide the review and that assessments would
and WPA Board Review.
be required against each term, stressing that the
Australian Government required that the views of
stakeholders be taken into consideration ‐ and that
they would be consulted accordingly. It would also be
beneficial to the review if formal submissions were
made.
The Board noted the Terms of Reference for the
review of the Advisory Board.
In the context of the review, the Chair made opening
remarks about the importance of the WPA to
Defence and to the other, non‐Defence users, noting
that the WPA also included significant South
Australian Government infrastructure.
The Chair then outlined the original intent for the
Board – namely to help identify an appropriate
balance between Defence interests and those of
other stakeholders including Aboriginal groups, rail,
pastoralists, miners and tourism. This would be
important given the forthcoming 2018 review of
co‐existence and that it might be timely to consider
what improvements could be made.
The Chair noted that feedback indicated WPACO
(with the guidance of the Board) had done a good job
to date, largely as a result of establishing healthy and
open relationships with stakeholders – and that this
similarly applied to the Woomera Test Range (WTR) .
The Chair also noted the importance of stakeholder
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Item
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engagement, citing the value of the WTR open days
and stakeholder dinners.
The Chair finally noted that a key strength of the
Board was the members’ willingness to work
together, remaining flexible and receptive to the
agendas of others.
The Chair then invited other members’ perspectives
on the operation of the Board and the co‐existence
framework more broadly.
The Deputy Chair discussed the formation of the
Board in the context of the Hawke Review and noted
one of the key objectives of the co‐existence
framework was to balance all parties’ needs and
reduce the commercial risk to resource companies in
the WPA.
The Deputy Chair also agreed that the Board had
worked well to date, but noted that the downturn in
the resources sector had also reduced the matters
for Board consideration. That said, the Board had a
continuing role to manage or intervene in matters
before they escalated.
The Deputy Chair noted that the South Australian
Government continues to require a formal way to
represent its interests to the Commonwealth,
regardless of any decision on the Board’s future.
The Deputy Chair noted the need for the Board to
recognise increasing Aboriginal interests in the WPA
and how they might be considered. The Board noted
that some Aboriginal groups had expressed an
interest in Board membership.
Ms Freeman agreed that the South Australian
Government requires a forum for State officials to
interact with Commonwealth decision makers at the
highest possible levels. Ms Freeman noted that while
there is currently a relative lull in resource activity,
this was beginning to change and that the Board
construct is well placed to deal with strategic issues
as they arise.
The South Australian Government is keen to ensure
that the WPACO continues to be well resourced and
noted that the existing co‐existence framework and
‘WPACO model’ had been viewed favourably at
COAG. The South Australian Government considers
that WPACO should continue to report to an external
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Item
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authority. The South Australian Government is also
keen to maintain direct involvement in the resource
activity reporting process and any dispute resolution.
Mr Keough broadly outlined the role of Defence SA.
Mr Keough also noted his support for the
continuation of the Board and considered that it
should be a forum to deal with higher‐order issues
that may also need to be addressed through
legislative change, but that it was important to avoid
bureaucratic layers in seeking resolution of issues. Mr
Keough further noted that the current lull in resource
activity provided an opportunity to be organised for
future challenges.
Mr Hamilton was of the view that there was an
ongoing requirement for a suitable forum for
exchange and consideration of strategic and higher‐
level issues. Mr Hamilton noted that the review
needs to consider the Board’s achievements since
establishment against the review Terms of
Reference; how the Board has met its responsibilities
and supported decision making; and how it may
contribute to the management of the WPA into the
future.
Mr Heferen noted the importance of co‐existence,
especially for Industry and the resources sector, and
that potential challenges for the Board lie ahead.
Mr Heferen advised that Industry is keen for the
current structures to remain but remains open to a
different or improved Board formulation to maintain
the spirit of the Board’s establishment
Mr Edge noted that the Board would play an
important role once the inevitable upturn in resource
activity occurs.
Air Marshal (AM) Davies stated that Air Force’s view
was that the Board has served its purpose to date,
and noted that a number of issues of a strategic
nature previously addressed by the Board had
matured and were now more for tactical
consideration for Air Force or Defence. AM Davies
also agreed that there is a continuing requirement
for the South Australian Government to be able to
engage with Defence about strategic issues.
AM Davies finally noted that the review should
consider if the role and focus of the Board each
needs to be refined.
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Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
The Chair noted there was general consensus that
The Board noted the
the Board should continue in some form but saw the
general consensus of
need to determine an appropriate structure and role
members about the
into the future. The Chair invited submissions to
Board’s role to date.
support the review process.
Members then discussed the consultation proposed
The Board noted the
for the Advisory Board review, noting it would be
proposed scope for
coordinated with the consultation for the Post
consultation program and
Implementation Review and the Interim Review.
the need to consult widely
with resource and other
Members noted that the consultation program for
stakeholders.
the Post Implementation Review and Interim Rule
Review was targeted towards the resources sector.
There was general agreement that existing users and
the broader stakeholder population would also be
invited to provide submissions should they so
choose.
5. Review of Action Items
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
5.0
A review of the Action Item list was undertaken.
WPACO
2016 Rule
Review
5.1
Item 5.1 The Board noted the requirement for
5.1 Action item closed.
Defence to register legislative instruments in relation
to the use and/or cancellation of exclusion periods.
WPACO advises stakeholders by email of any
revocation or amendment to previously published
exclusion periods as soon as they occur, ahead of the
instruments being registered.
5.3
Item 5.3 The Board noted that WPACO has a ‘virtual
5.3: Action item closed.
reference group’ with whom it engages about
exclusion period updates, Green Zone closures and
changes to legislative or other arrangements that
have the potential to affect stakeholders. The Board
noted that the requirement for a formal Reference
Group had changed over time and agreed to retain
the existing WPACO engagement arrangements for
the present time. The Board noted that the need for
a formal Reference Group may be considered later,
possibly to support engagement for the 2018 review
of co‐existence.
5.4
Item 5.4 Ms Lacar advised that changes to the South
5.4: Action item closed.
Australian Property Information Report had been
made and that prospective purchasers of pastoral
leases within the WPA would become aware of the
possible conditions of access under the
Defence Act
1903 during due diligence.
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5.5
Item 5.5 The Board noted that WPACO and Air Force
5.5: WPACO / RAAF to
WPACO/
End Jul 17
are progressing the Working Level Agreements (WLA) progress WLA and
AF/WTR
with each of the six WPA Aboriginal groups as well as
permissions.
the ‘Permission’ under the Defence Force Regulations
for all pastoral lease holders (refer also to Agenda
Item 6.3).
The Board noted that Air Force proposes a grant
program to assist the participation of Aboriginal
groups in the WLA process.
Item 6.0 Mr Anderson advised that WPACO
6.0: WPACO will continue
WPACO
30 Sep 16
continues to work with the Department of Industry,
to provide updates on this
Innovation and Science on matters associated with
matter.
the
Space Activities Act 1998 and the issues arising
with the Defence legislative framework. Mr Anderson
re‐affirmed that Defence legislation permitted the
use of the WPA for the testing of war materiel only.
6. WPACO Update
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
6.1
Mr Hamilton outlined the current requirements for the The Board noted the
WPACO
30 Sep 16
Post Implementation Review (PIR) into the
brief.
Government’s response to the Hawke Review; the
2016 Interim Rule Review, with its focus on matters
that may affect long‐term resources sector investment
in the WPA; and the WPA Board Review already
discussed.
Mr Hamilton also stressed that any substantive
matters likely to be raised during the review process
would be deferred for consideration in the context of
the 2018 Review into co‐existence.
Mr Anderson advised that the consultation period for
the reviews would be for 30 days in accordance with
Office of Best Practice requirements, and that a plan
was being advanced between Industry and Defence
with SA Government input.
6.2
Working Level Agreements/Indigenous Heritage
Management Plan
Mr Anderson provided an update on the Indigenous
Heritage Management Plan (IHMP). The Board noted
that Defence Estate and Infrastructure Group (E&I) is
working closely with WPACO, WTR and South
Australian Government agencies on the IHMP. The
Board also noted recent amendments under the SA
Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 meant that IHMP
consultation would be undertaken through Recognised
Aboriginal Representative Bodies (RARBs).
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Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
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AM Davies noted that Defence’s ongoing relationships
with WPA Indigenous groups provided the ‘bedrock’ to
the co‐existence framework and upheld the ability to
test within the WPA.
Ms Freeman noted the South Australian Government’s Updates (as required)
WPACO
appreciation of updates on Aboriginal group
engagement and asked for this to continue.
The Board noted that priority had been given to
undertaking cultural heritage surveys on Kokatha lands
associated with the WPA PASTA target area and
Project 3024 within the WPA Red Zone
6.3
Permissions
Mr Guselli noted that WPACO will shortly issue a
formal access ‘permission’ to each pastoral lease
holder within the WPA. Pastoralists are existing users
under the
Woomera Prohibited Area Rule 2014 and
the permission will formalise their access
arrangements under the
Defence Force Regulations
1952. Pastoralists will receive a covering letter and
FAQs to support the issue of the permission. The WTR
District Liaison Officer will also hand deliver the
permissions and answer any queries arising.
6.4
Industry / stakeholder engagement
Mr Anderson provided a summary of industry and
general stakeholder engagement activities during the
2015‐2016 Financial Year.
7. South Australian Government update
Item
Action Item
Owner
By Date
7.1
Mr Keough provided Defence SA’s update. Mr Keough
The Board noted the
highlighted the importance of its close working
update provided.
relationship with Defence, and that Defence SA could
help resolve operational and strategic issues as they
arise.
Mr Keough noted that Defence SA was looking to
consolidate after recent staffing changes. Mr Keough
discussed the South Australian Government’s work to
encourage a ‘space‐enabled economy’ and noted the
International Astronautical Congress will be held in
Adelaide in September 2017. Defence SA will continue
to be the interface between Defence and the South
Australian Government.
Mr Keough also acknowledged that work on the MOU
Defence SA to consider
Defence SA
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had not progressed in recent months, but observed
the way ahead
that it needed to be pitched at a higher strategic level ‐
and did not need simply to be a recital of legislation
and other extant provisions. Further work in this
regard is to be undertaken including an assessment of
its overall value.
7.2
Ms Freeman provided a summary of resource activity
on the WPA and noted that there were encouraging
The Board noted the
signs that the mineral cycle was on the upswing with
update provided.
an increase in WPA exploration activity. Ms Freeman
discussed progress with the SA Copper Strategy and
Program for Accelerating Exploration (PACE) programs.
Ms Freeman noted that the high resolution airborne
geophysics survey of the Gawler Craton had gone to
tender. Ms Freeman provided an update on the SA
Royal Commission into the nuclear fuel cycle and
noted the Board would be well placed to advise on
matters relating to the WPA.
Mr Heferen provided a short brief on progress with the
separate Commonwealth sponsored process to locate
a site for a low‐level radioactive waste facility.
8. WTR update
Item
Action Item
Owner
By Date
8.0
AM Davies noted there had been 36 trials during the
Following discussion
previous financial year and a further 20 trials are
the Board noted the Air
planned to December 2016. AM Davies stressed the
Force update.
importance of the WPA to capability and noted that
information gained through WPA trials could be
immediately applied in an operational theatre.
AM Davies particularly noted the electronically‐quiet
environment of the WPA and how this value and the
capabilities provided by the WPA support testing for
existing, immediate and future war fighting capability.
AM Davies also provided an update on WTR
developments, RAAF Base Woomera and Project 3024
(Woomera Remediation project).
AM Davies finally stressed the importance of strong
relationships between Board members and other
stakeholders to the WPA’s operation.
AIRCDRE Meredith and Mr Carruthers summarised the
outcomes from recent HiFIRE test and noted the
Challenger Mine had been evacuated for the first time,
with the support of the WTR. Challenger provided a
letter of thanks in relation to WTR’s support during the
test.
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Mr Carruthers also discussed WTR’s ongoing
engagement with WPA Aboriginal groups, planned
visits to Maralinga and Oak Valley and its support of
NAIDOC week activities in Coober Pedy. Mr Carruthers
noted that the WTR Compliance Monitoring Team
(CMT) recently received a NAIDOC week award for its
work with Aboriginal groups.
9. WPACO report on WPA access – permits and personnel
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
9.0
Mr Anderson provided the quarterly reports for
Following discussion
January to March 2016 and April to June 2016 along
the Board noted the
with summary tables showing the change in permits
presentation and
and personnel since the commencement of WPA Rule
updates.
2014. The reduced activity in permit application and
issue reflects the downturn in commodity prices.
Mr Anderson noted that one applicant had been
refused a Resource Exploration permit on national
security grounds. That applicant has a right of review
but has not made a submission at this stage.
Mr Carruthers added a brief update on the CMT
activities including the use of aerial surveys and
proposed future use of UAVs.
Ms Lacar noted BHP’s appreciation to WPACO in
relation to the efficient processing of a Resource
Exploration permit and Approved Person applications.
10. Next Meeting for 2016
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
10.0
Defence SA offered to host the next meeting of the
WPACO to check diaries WPACO
29 July 16
Board in September, which is proposed for mid‐month and confirm the date of
and is to consider the Review of the Advisory Board.
the next Board meeting
in Adelaide.
11. Other Business and Meeting Close
Item
Discussion
Action Item
Owner
By Date
11.0
No other business was raised. The Chair thanked
Board members to
Board
End August
everyone for their attendance and invited Board
facilitate submissions to members
2016
members to provide submissions to the respective
reviews appropriate.
reviews. Meeting closed at 15:57.
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Document Outline
