House of Assembly Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1) 53 1 Parliament of South Australia House of Assembly published Parliamentary Committees Public Works Committee: Happy Valley Outfall Channel Upgrade Project Public Works Committee: Happy Valley Outfall Channel Upgrade Project Ms DIGANCE House of Assembly Elder Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (11:44): I move: That the 505^th report of the committee, entitled Happy Valley Outfall Channel Upgrade Project, be noted. The channel is currently in need of an upgrade to address key ongoing public safety risks: potential bank collapse and property flooding. It also requires an upgrade to meet the Australian National Committee on Large Dams guidelines on dam safety and management, as the channel acts as a dam spillway. The upgrade will address this, providing a suitable capacity for a one in 100 year flood event. The project will include the lining of up to 350 metres of the 500 metre long channel with reinforced concrete where erosion has occurred from the base of the channel to a height of around two metres. The channel is six metres deep in all. The remaining unlined channel will allow for slowed free-flowing water to naturally enter the adjacent wetlands. Other options were considered for management of the channel; however, this is the most cost-effective option and the option supported by the local community focus group, the local council and other state governments. This option addresses the community's concern regarding safety around the channel and potential future flooding of private property as well as the needs of the local natural environment. The total cost of the works is estimated to be $5.76 million GST exclusive, including project development and contingency costs. The cost of the project is included in SA Water's capital plan and, as such, there will be no impact on the current regulatory budget. There will also be no change to the recurrent cost of the channel's operation as a result of the upgrade. The project is expected to achieve practical completion in December 2014 in time for next year's winter rains. Given this, and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it recommends the proposed public works. Mr PENGILLY House of Assembly Finniss Mr PENGILLY (Finniss) (11:46): The opposition supports the project and has very little to add to the discussion. Once again, it was agreed with bipartisan support through the committee that we get on with the project, and with those few words I resume my seat. Motion carried.