MURRAY RIVER

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Leader of the Opposition) (14:32): My question is again to the Premier. When will salinity levels in the River Murray require emergency action to protect drinking water supplies to South Australian families? The World Health Organisation standard set a maximum of 1,000 EC. It has been confirmed that salinity levels now at 730 EC at Morgan, and 2,690 EC at Meningie. The government recently admitted that the Premier has emergency plans to provide bottled water across the city if salinity levels reach crisis point.

The Hon. K.A. MAYWALD (Chaffey—Minister for the River Murray, Minister for Water Security, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Small Business, Minister Assisting the Minister for Industry and Trade) (14:32): Salinity is an emerging problem as a consequence of the drought, and it is something that South Australia has been well aware of and for which it is undertaking significant contingency planning both at a state and national level as a consequence. The federal government, New South Wales and Victoria are also involved in those contingency plans. As a consequence of the low flows into the Murray-Darling Basin, South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria have had to renegotiate their water-sharing arrangements. Part of those water-sharing arrangements have allocated a specific amount of water to South Australia for dilution flows. These dilution flows have commenced flowing to South Australia to assist us in managing what is an emerging salinity issue.

Salinity is increasing and will continue to increase as a consequence of the drought. The number of scenarios that we are dealing with include contingency planning for any interruptions to water supply. A good example of that is what happened recently with the Morgan to Whyalla pipeline, where we were required to actually provide alternative supplies in the short term because of a breach in that system. It is normal practice for any water utility to plan for contingencies. We are, however, continuing to negotiate with New South Wales, Victoria and the commonwealth to secure South Australia's supply. Salinity is emerging as an issue that South Australia will need to watch very closely, and ensure that we have appropriate contingency plans in place. There will be a further report from the senior officials group that has been—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. K.A. MAYWALD: This is the Prime Minister's contingency planning process. A report will be provided to the Prime Minister and the premiers in early November. We hope that that will deal with issues of establishing a Murray-Darling Basin solution in regard to emerging salinity and water quality issues.