Answers to Questions

WATER ALLOCATION

179 Mr HANNA (Mitchell) (31 July 2007). Has the impact on tourism revenue caused by reduced environmental flows to the Coorong and other water bodies been costed and taken into account in water allocation policy or other government policy?

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): I am advised that the impacts of the reduction in environmental flows as a result of the drought have been taken into account in setting water allocations and all other aspects of government policy on water resources management for the River Murray.

Even under the current extreme drought conditions South Australia has negotiated a position where 25 per cent of initial flows in the River Murray system above those needed to meet critical human needs are available for river restoration and dilution within this state. These flows will be utilised in the manner that delivers the greatest environmental, social and economic benefits to all parts of the river system in South Australia including the Lower Lakes and the wetlands along the length of the river.

A study was undertaken within government on the economic impacts of varying water levels in the Lower Murray on houseboat, tourism and recreational activities including the Hindmarsh Island and Goolwa areas in late 2006. Also, the Lower Murray Drought Impact Study Reference Group, a community based group oversaw a more detailed economic assessment, completed in February 2007, of the impacts of low water levels and reduced licence allocations. This assessment was funded by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and focussed mainly on agricultural activities, as these were the most severely impacted activities over the past summer. However, the study included an assessment of impacts on fishing and tourism and recreational activities.

The findings of these studies have been used, along with many other inputs, to guide decision-making on water allocations and river management.

In addition, to ensure that everything possible is being done to alleviate the hardships caused by the low flows, water levels and high salinities, I have appointed Hon. Dean Brown as a Community Liaison Manager and regional drought consultative committees have been established to facilitate issues being raised with government.

Mr Brown's role is to ensure that local communities, including those involved in tourism activities, are provided with an avenue through which to raise issues and to work with Government to minimise the impacts of these issues to the best advantage of the whole community.