MARINE PARKS

The Hon. G.M. GUNN (Stuart) (15:23): My question is to the Minister for the Environment—a subject near and dear to my heart.

The Hon. M.J. Atkinson: We're with you, Gunny.

The Hon. G.M. GUNN: Well, you will have a chance later on. You will have a good chance. Will the minister give an assurance that the creation of marine parks will in no way affect the current or future development of the oyster industry, particularly at locations such as Smoky Bay and Denial Bay?

Just having visited Eyre Peninsula, the minister would be aware of the outstanding success of aquaculture at Smoky Bay and the great benefits that have flowed to that community. The minister would also be aware if he checked that there were elements within his department that tried to stop that development, and it was only the election of the Brown government that made sure that this development took place. There is now a fear that those elements may be in the ascendancy again.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Early Childhood Development, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister Assisting the Premier in Cabinet Business and Public Sector Management) (15:24): I must say that I had a thoroughly enjoyable trip to the Eyre Peninsula. I was entertained at Streaky Bay by a much more agreeable Gunn, I must say, than the member opposite. A fine man, there is little physical resemblance to the member for Stuart, and certainly a much more cheerful chap when discussing matters of policy.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: I should not be unfair to the member for Stuart. I appreciate his advice and I do take it seriously. The trip canvassed a range of concerns and issues from a range of industries. I had a very good briefing from the oyster growers and, in fact, had the opportunity to tour one of the factories.

The Hon. M.J. Wright: And a sample?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: That is right, there was even a sample on offer. They knew that they were working on my weak point there. It was demonstrated to me that it is a very sustainable industry that has been set up. We do need to pay credit to the former government for its assistance in the establishment of an important precinct. Rob Kerin played a very important role in relation to the aquaculture industry. Credit ought to be paid to the previous government because that industry has thrived, and it has thrived in a sustainable way, and I can give an assurance that marine parks will not in any way damage this fantastic South Australian industry.