OAKLANDS PARK WETLANDS DEVELOPMENT

The Hon. P.L. WHITE (Taylor) (14:38): My question is to the Minister for Environment and Conservation. What are the latest developments in the proposed wetlands project at Oaklands Park?

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) (14:38): Last Sunday I had the great pleasure of attending a community meeting at Oaklands Reserve which was organised by the Oaklands Estate Residents Association. The association has been working with the state government and through the Adelaide Mount Lofty NRM Board and the Marion council to develop a project on that reserve and the adjacent land.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: I did, courtesy of the member for Morphett. Sunday's meeting was focused on securing about three hectares of land that would add to the land that was previously dedicated by the former minister for the environment, the member for Kaurna, in 2004. Granting such a request has been given careful consideration. Over the years, state governments of both persuasions have grappled with this question of the uses of the land, including the current Rider Safe motorcycle training program that is conducted on the site.

I was pleased to be able to announce at that meeting that this state government will build on the previous commitment and provide the remaining parcel of land, worth $5 million, to complete the wetlands project, for which we received the princely sum of $2 courtesy of the member for Morphett via the Marion council. I should acknowledge the member for Morphett for his genuine support at that meeting. There were a few hecklers that he despatched, I must say. Apart from the hecklers, there was a lot of love in the air. There was Mayor Felicity-Ann Lewis and her council who created this vision, and she congratulated the government. There was, of course, the President of the Oaklands Park Residents Association, Mr Vincent Brown, who is famous for something else as well.

Ms Fox: What is he famous for?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: He was my English teacher at Henley High School. He gave me 10 out of 10 for the announcement.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: He was almost in tears, so it was a very emotional time. So overcome were people that they were talking about publishing signs saying, 'Thank you, Pat.'

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: That is right. No, a slogan which has never been seen on a sign before in this state. I think there was broad acceptance that this is a good project. It has been a long time in the making, and there is plenty of blame to share around about that. However, it is good that we have all come together to deliver this important wetlands project.