DESALINATION PLANT

In reply to Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (1 December 2011) (First Session)

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation): I am advised:

1. The Design Build Operate and Maintain Contract was awarded to AdelaideAqua on 16 February 2009. The Contractor, AdelaideAqua, commenced construction on site in April 2009. The Operations and Maintenance Contract includes provision for the Operator, AdelaideAqua Pty Ltd, to receive payment for each megalitre of drinking water produced from the Adelaide desalination plant after the First Water delivery milestone. AdelaideAqua achieved the First Water delivery milestone on 21 October 2011 and SA Water will continue to pay for drinking water produced by the Operator.