DESALINATION PLANT

Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop) (14:26): My question is to the Minister for Water Security. Why is the government committing South Australian taxpayers to a desalination plant at Port Stanvac without first securing the land on which it is to be built? The minister tabled information in the house yesterday—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr WILLIAMS: —which states: 'SA Water is in negotiations with Exxon Mobil regarding the purchase of the site.'

The Hon. K.A. MAYWALD (Chaffey—Minister for the River Murray, Minister for Water Security) (14:27): Yes; we are in negotiations with Exxon Mobil for the purchase of the site, and we intend to purchase the site to build a desalination plant on it.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Reynell.