MURRAY RIVER FERRIES

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee) (14:53): Thank you, sir. My question is to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Will the minister inform the house of recent developments with the River Murray ferry operations and, in particular, the replacement of two of the timber hull ferries?

The Hon. I.F. Evans: He gave this answer two weeks ago!

The SPEAKER: The member for Davenport is one utterance away from leaving the house.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Housing and Urban Development) (14:54): This government is proud of its investments in infrastructure. The state government is responsible for operating a 24/7 ferry service at 11 locations along our great river. With 12 ferries currently in operation, with two located at the busiest crossing at Mannum, in total we have a fleet of 14 River Murray ferries, consisting of nine steel hull ferries and five timber hull ferries.

Seven of these crossings are on arterial road networks, which are the responsibility of this government, and four crossings are part of the local road network, which is the responsibility of local government. These ferry services are currently provided by the state government free of charge to the public. To ensure the continued operation of the ferry service, the state government has committed $6.1 million over three years to replace two of the five timber-hulled ferries at the highest-priority crossings.

This commitment builds on the government's significant investment in the river ferry service. Since 2004-05, this government has invested a total of $73.3 million operating, maintaining and upgrading River Murray ferries. Three new ferries have been built and commissioned in that time. Five-year contracts for the operation of the River Murray ferries at all locations were awarded and commenced on 1 July 2012.

Despite this recent funding, this government will not stop in assisting the communities of the River Murray. Negotiations will continue with local government on funding options for modernising the rest of the service in the future. I encourage members opposite to inform their constituents of these developments and the continued investment this government has provided in these areas so the communities of the River Murray can go about their day-to-day lives.