Site Contamination, Clovelly Park and Mitchell Park

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:28): Given that the government has been made aware of dangerous contamination in the Clovelly Park area for six years, why was no relocation strategy put in place for residents in that area?

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:28): I am advised that the EPA, after extensive testing, has determined that a public health risk to residents exists from the site contamination. The risk has been identified following an investigation that commenced in 2008. As a government, we are guided by the expert advice of the EPA and the Department of Health and Ageing in assessing the public risk to residents.

I understand that the EPA and the Department of Health and Ageing have reached the conclusion that the elevated levels of TCE in the residential vapour investigation area warrant intervention, as indicated in the ministerial statement, and warrant intervention given the nature of the properties constructed in the area.

Housing SA has received advice from the EPA that residents from this area should be relocated as a precaution, and we take this advice seriously. Now, we will be working with residents to identify a suitable alternative property.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The leader is warned for the first time and so is the member for Morialta. Leader.