MARINE SCIENCE INFRASTRUCTURE

Ms FOX (Bright) (14:57): My question is to the Minister for Science and Information Economy. What support is the government providing to assist South Australia's marine science industries to plan better for a prosperous and sustainable future?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for Youth, Minister for Gambling) (14:57): I thank the member for Bright for her question and acknowledge her active interest in matters of science. As I informed the house last month, the South Australian government is a key investor in the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), which helps our research institutions to retain and attract scientific expertise through the establishment and sharing of leading-edge science infrastructure. I am pleased to announce that, under NCRIS, the state and commonwealth governments will contribute more than $5 million to establish in our state a key node of the integrated marine observing system, the Southern Australian Integrated Marine Observing System (SAIMOS).

I can advise the house that SAIMOS will support research on many of the critical marine issues facing Australia, including climate change and the sustainability of ecosystems. I know that all members, including our very loud backbench, are extremely interested in this project. The South Australian node is expected to be launched early next June and will include two separate state-of-the-art, high frequency radar systems—one located at Cape Borda on Kangaroo Island and the other at Cape Wiles on Eyre Peninsula.

I am told that a further system is being considered for the Bonney coast between Robe and Portland. The state government has provided $1.4 million for the installation of the infrastructure, with Flinders University having contributed $500,000. The purchase of this vital infrastructure will enable us to better understand the marine ecosystems in the southern region, as well as helping to underpin the sustainable expansion of our important seafood industry, an industry that I know every member of this house supports.

South Australia stands to benefit enormously through this initiative. The SAIMOS facility will enhance our potential to be a leading location for research and marine science fields, such as marine biology, physical oceanography and meteorology. SAIMOS will also help our state to attract and retain the best scientists and postgraduate students, and it will provide flow-on benefits for emergency services through improved indications of adverse weather and sea conditions.

SAIMOS will provide real-time monitoring conditions, such as ocean currents, temperatures and wind speeds, and will provide valuable information on fish stock availability and early warning weather prediction. SAIMOS will also assist the development of our ecotourism industries, such as deep sea diving, and will support increased oil and gas exploration in South Australian waters by assisting the processes for environmental impact analysis.

Mr Kenyon interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: I knew that would attract the interest of the member for Newland. Access to year-round maps of ocean waves and currents will also deliver very substantial savings in fuel and labour costs by optimising voyage routes for the emergency services and fishing sectors. The South Australian facility will build on our state's expanding research and development capability in marine sciences and enhance our international reputation as a leading centre for marine research and development expertise. SAIMOS also builds on the state government's existing investment of $13.7 million in Marine Innovation SA and the SARDI Aquatic Sciences Centre and is further evidence of this government's commitment to science and research in South Australia.