LOWER LIMESTONE COAST WATER ALLOCATION PLAN

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee) (14:57): My question is to the Minister for Water and the River Murray. Can the minister inform the house of any progress in the sustainable management of water resources in the South-East?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:57): The passage of the Natural Resources Management (Commercial Forests) Amendment Act 2011 was a significant step forward in the sustainable management of water resources in our state, particularly as the impacts of forestry on this resource can be significant. South Australia prides itself as being at the forefront of water management in Australia, and this legislation is another demonstration of our commitment to retain this position.

Since the passage of this act, the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan government task force and the stakeholder reference group—which comprises representatives from forestry, viticulture, dairy, potato and dryland farming industries as well as the South Australian Farmers Federation and the Conservation Council of South Australia—have completed a set of policy principles. These policy principles underwent a four-week public consultation period and will guide the preparation of the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan by the South-East Natural Resources Management Board. These principles state that forest water licences should be applied in the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan.

Yesterday I had the privilege of travelling to the South-East and had the opportunity to meet with the outstanding member for Mount Gambier and, of course, the South-East Natural Resources Management Board. We discussed the policy principles and my expectation that the board will continue the excellent work that has been undertaken as they work with the community. Importantly, they worked with the community to prepare the water allocation plan during the course of 2012.

The South-East is home to a number of our state's most important primary production and forestry industries, as well as the world-renowned Ramsar wetlands and other unique environments. Water is vital to this region in a social, economic and environmental sense; it has, however, become scarce as a result of changes to land use. The recent extended drought illustrated the issue, when several areas had significant declines in their watertable. This government is committed to sustainable management of this region's precious water resources, and the NRM board's policy principles are a step to best managing our environment and water resources to ensure they are sustainable and support the clean and green reputation of our state's produce.

While in Mount Gambier, I was pleased to represent the Premier at the wonderful ceremony—again, along with the member for Mount Gambier—that celebrated the handover by the Indigenous Land Corporation to the Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation of a significant piece of land at White Avenue. Burrandies will use the land for the establishment of a community training facility which will develop the knowledge and skills of community members and improve employment outcomes.

I want to congratulate the local Aboriginal community for their dedication to achieving this milestone and, in doing so, I urge the ILC to support—

Mr Pisoni interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Trivialising important issues, aren't you? Yes, you are.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P. CAICA: This is an important point, even though the member for Unley might not think so. I urge the Indigenous Land Corporation to support similar initiatives of other Aboriginal communities around and in South Australia.