MOUNT BARKER STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE

Mr SIBBONS (Mitchell) (15:05): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services. Can the minister inform the house about the new accommodation for the SES Mount Barker Unit that was officially opened on Saturday 10 November?

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN (Napier—Minister for Finance, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (15:05): I thank the member for Mitchell for this question. As members of the house are probably aware, the population of Mount Gambier has increased by about 30 per cent over the past—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN: Sorry, Mount Barker. I am glad we got that one sorted out—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN: Yes, I could have got myself into trouble on that one. I notice that Don lifted his eyebrows. Mount Barker has become increasingly urbanised and additional growth is projected. The government recognises that services need to keep pace with population growth and that's especially the case with emergency services, when people's lives are potentially at stake. On Sunday, it was my pleasure to officially open the new accommodation for the local SES unit in Mount Barker, and I was joined by Mark Goldsworthy, the member for Kavel, Ann Ferguson—

The SPEAKER: Refer to the member for Kavel, not by his Christian and surname.

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN: Sorry, the member for Kavel, Ann Ferguson, the Mayor of the District Council of Mount Barker, and Chris Beattie, Chief Officer of the SES. It is not surprising that the opening of the SES facility attracted the attendance of the local CFS and police. Across the state, the SES, CFS, police and the MFS work closely together to support the community, particularly during their hour of need. This is definitely the case in Mount Barker and the surrounding regions, and it was great to see them all together on Saturday afternoon.

The purchase of the site and subsequent refurbishment cost government approximately $1 million and, after speaking with SES staff and volunteers and viewing the new facilities with the member for Kavel first hand, I could see that this was money well spent. I was particularly impressed to see the training space available to the unit which will allow them to practise and further develop their important skills and expertise, ready to respond when needed.

Once again, noting the growth in the region, the new facility provides a strong platform moving forward for the local SES to support the community. The major storms which make the news are only a fraction of the work the 1,700 SES volunteers across South Australia do from day to day. The Mount Barker unit is particularly active, with its 29 volunteers responding to over 250 calls for assistance last financial year.

I think that that is a significant commitment for 29 individuals to be making to their community, and I think we all have to be very much aware that this cuts into their personal time. It is a significant commitment that both they and their employers make to keeping the community safe.

Three weeks ago I travelled to the South-East to meet with emergency services personnel, including SES (that's why I referred to Mount Gambier) in Mount Gambier, Millicent and Kingston. The trip was a valuable chance to meet with volunteers and get a close look at the issues they face. The people I met were, without exception, dedicated and passionate. I know the SES volunteers in Mount Barker and across the state are exactly the same.

I would also like to congratulate the Tea Tree Gully SES unit, the reigning national champions, for finishing third in this year's National Disaster Rescue Competition which was recently held in Victoria. The winning team came from new South Wales. More than 100 volunteers representing seven teams across seven states and territories took part in the competition, and well done to the Tea Tree Gully SES unit. Finally, Mr Speaker—

The SPEAKER: The minister's time has expired. The member for Waite.