River Murray Sustainability Program

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL (Mawson—Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Recreation and Sport, Minister for Racing) (15:04): The member for Chaffey asked a question earlier, and I said I'd get an answer from the Minister for the River Murray. I've got that answer. He said that South Australia has already recovered more than half of the water required to meet its target of 183.8 gigalitres under the basin plan.

This water has been recovered through water purchased from willing sellers, water provided in return for funding received by the commonwealth for the construction of the Adelaide desal plant and irrigation efficiency programs such as the Private Irrigation Infrastructure Program and the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program. These programs not only provide water for the environment but also provide benefits for irrigators and regional communities by providing funding for upgrade of irrigation systems and other business improvements. To meet the remainder of the state's water recovery target, the government has a number of other projects that are either planned or underway.