MANNUM FERRY

Mr VENNING (Schubert) (14:43): Will the Minister for Transport advise what alternative plans have been developed if the second ferry at Mannum becomes inoperable? In December last year one of the two ferries at Mannum was closed indefinitely as low river levels were preventing the ferry from docking safely to the concrete ramps. This is the first time since the introduction of locks and weirs in the river system in 1936 that a ferry has been shut down. Since the indefinite suspension of the upstream service, the downstream service has been closed for both emergency and routine repair work four times, leaving residents of the town with no way to cross the river other than driving to Blanchetown or Swan Reach.

The Hon. P.F. CONLON (Elder—Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Energy) (14:44): I am not aware that there is any risk of the second crossing being—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: Immediately before I finish a sentence the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, who knows something about everything, has some advice on it. Before I finish a sentence she is telling me what will happen with the second ferry at Mannum. How I wish one day I could meet someone as smart as the Deputy Leader of the Opposition thinks she is, because that would be exciting.

Ms CHAPMAN: On a point of order, sir: it is one thing for the Minister for Transport to make up things, but it is another to stick to the facts.

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: Find that under the 'Nyah, nyah, nyah' section of the standing orders. I take seriously the access for those people. There is not one person on this side of the house who enjoys the state of the Murray and the difficulties that it causes for so many people, but they are real difficulties caused by forces beyond our control. I am not aware of any risk of the second ferry closing, except for repairs, and there is nothing that we can do about the need for the occasional repair. I will get a full briefing for the member for Schubert, but I am not aware of any risk of the ferry closing on a permanent basis. Like everyone, we wish that the river were in a better state but, until that time, we will simply have to make the best of it.