EDWARDSTOWN GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION

Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:51): My question is to the minister for the environment. Why weren't buffer zones established when groundwater contamination was first identified at the former Hills Industries site? The minister, in his ministerial statement to the house yesterday, identified that the EPA had identified the extent of the groundwater pollution, and had created buffer zones beyond that which have been included in the area where residents have been given notification of the pollution and warnings.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for the River Murray, Minister for Water) (14:52): Madam Speaker—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Norwood, I warn you.

The Hon. P. CAICA: What has been identified through a report that was provided to the EPA on 14 February was that the contamination had extended beyond the site. Immediate action was then put into place within the—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Maybe you blokes might be better informed—I shouldn't say blokes—people might be better informed, if you actually asked for a briefing on this. I am happy to give it. With respect to the 2,000 houses that are going to be—and are being as we speak—notified about this situation—33 bores within the area, we don't know how many bores that aren't on the register are there, but, quite simply, a buffer zone exists around the plume, and that is appropriate.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!