DESALINATION PLANT, EYRE PENINSULA

Mrs PENFOLD (Flinders) (15:01): My question is again to the Minister for Water Security. Can the minister advise why funding requested by the Eyre Regional Development Board for a plan to assess desalination options for water for the mining industry on Eyre Peninsula was knocked back?

The Eyre Regional Development Board's request for funding was rejected despite looming level 3 water restrictions and water being identified as a priority for the mining industry, particularly Minotaur, with its kaolin mine needing three gigalitres, if it is to provide the jobs and economic boost expected by this government.

The Hon. K.A. MAYWALD (Chaffey—Minister for the River Murray, Minister for Water Security) (15:01): I can assure the member opposite that this government is more than committed to a future which includes mining. I think that is pretty obvious. What the government has also done is commit $500,000 to an investigation into desalination on Eyre Peninsula. The Eyre Regional Development Board—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The deputy leader and the member for MacKillop!

The Hon. K.A. MAYWALD: The Eyre Regional Development Board requested funding to undertake an investigation into desalination, the work which SA Water was already undertaking. It seemed silly to do the work twice.