MURRAY-DARLING BASIN PLAN

Mr SIBBONS (Mitchell) (15:23): My question is to the Minister for Water and the River Murray. Can the minister advise members about the benefits South Australians can expect through the adoption of the Murray-Darling Basin plan?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:24): I thank the honourable member for his very important question. The adoption of the basin plan by the Gillard government on 22 November was a great moment for Australia, a great moment for the River Murray and a great moment for all South Australians, especially those living in communities that rely on there being a healthy river to protect their livelihood.

After more than 100 years of degradation of the river and the basin's environment, generally due to the overallocation by upstream states, we are finally on the cusp of an agreement that will halt and, over time, reverse much of the damage that has been done over many decades. As a result of our committed, principled and resourceful campaign, South Australians have won a basin plan that now supports 3,200 gigalitres of water recovery and the removal of constraints that impede effective water delivery.

The enhanced environmental outcomes include: keeping the Murray Mouth open so that two million tonnes of salt that accumulates in the Murray each year can be flushed out of the system; securing salinity and water level targets that protect the Coorong and Lower Lakes, wetland site and river channel; providing river flows that help to protect and restore River Murray flood plains, such as Chowilla; recognition of South Australia's responsible water use in determining where and how water will be recovered; and investment in strengthening regional communities so that the basin reforms help drive value-adding and the diversification of business and job opportunities. These measures will go a long way in the future to reducing the kind of devastating ecological, economic, social and cultural damage that was experienced during the recent drought.

We have also been successful in gaining the commitment of the commonwealth government to the tune, as the Premier mentioned today, of $155 million to help maximise the environmental outcomes for South Australian River Murray flood plains, including environmental works and salt interception schemes that will enhance the ability to water priority floodplain sites on the Pike and Katarapko flood plains, something I presume the member for Chaffey, like his constituents, welcomes very much.

A very important commitment we have won is having our responsible water management recognised, as evident in the $265 million program for water recovery and industry regeneration in South Australian River Murray communities.

So, as can be seen, the Fight for the Murray campaign has been highly successful, and I take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of all those who joined the campaign, particularly our river champions for the $2 million committed to the campaign. We have won extra funding of $1.77 billion, an extra 450 gigalitres of water for the river system, along with the funding commitments of $420 million—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P. CAICA: —for environmental and economic projects in South Australia. Madam Speaker, what is the impact of the division amongst the Liberal opposition? They have been nowhere with respect to the fight to save the Murray.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Point of order. Member for Morialta.

Mr GARDNER: Let's just stick to 98—debate.

The SPEAKER: Thank you. Minister, back to the question or sit down.

The Hon. P. CAICA: Yes, I am going to wind up, Madam Speaker, if they would just stop heckling. We did hear this morning a couple of members, the member for Bragg and the member for Morphett, trying to find a place at the table for dessert.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Point of order.

Mr GARDNER: Point of order, Madam Speaker: the minister is now defying your ruling. You should sit him down or throw him out.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! I am really not sure what the minister is saying. I can hear electorates being named, but I am not sure what he is saying because I can't hear.

The Hon. P. CAICA: I can hardly hear myself speak, Madam Speaker.

The SPEAKER: I hope you're answering the question.

The Hon. P. CAICA: I am indeed answering the question, Madam Speaker. But, of course, what occurred this morning was only after the federal opposition leader, Mr Abbott, indicated support for the plan this morning. They weren't even capable of coming together to support South Australians on an issue like the River Murray, a matter of such critical importance for South Australians. How about putting South Australians first—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Point of order! Member for Kavel.

Mr GOLDSWORTHY: The minister is clearly debating.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Minister, I think you have probably finished your answer.

The Hon. P. CAICA: Madam Speaker, I am about to wind up in almost a nanosecond. I would just put this—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P. CAICA: How about putting South Australians first instead of thriving on your own internal political cannibalisation?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Before we have any more points of order I will sit the minister down.