Goyder Electorate

Mr GRIFFITHS (Goyder) (15:20): I wish to speak about a couple of issues. The storm that is occurring in South Australia over the next 48 hours has prompted me to talk about one area in particular: storm damage and the impact on coastal communities. I know it affects many, and I appreciate that, but there are some particularly stark visual reminders for me across the Goyder electorate. The one I particularly want to talk about is the Point Turton community, which is just to the west of where the old swimming centre used to be. They suffered significantly during the last two big bad storms.

We now have a prediction of waves approaching 33 feet across many areas, which will be dependent upon wind direction, storm surges and all those sorts of things. I just want to relay to the house some conversations I have had with property owners down there about the impact of the storms since May this year. There has been significant degradation of the fore dune area, which was probably around 20 feet high. We now have a situation involving those 15 or so properties along there. They have not had to be evacuated but there is a significant level of risk attached to the preservation of the properties. Today and tomorrow are going to represent another challenge for them.

Those communities received a bit of media coverage because they are concerned about who pays for it. Minister Hunter has said that it is not a state responsibility. Yorke Peninsula Council was contacted about that and it is not their responsibility. As I understand it, Yorke Peninsula Council has agreed to support the property owners in that area who are going to be required, once development approval is in place, to put up significant foreshore protection works at a cost of about $650,000. The council has agreed to borrow those funds and the property owners will pay for that over a period of years.

Not all property owners agree with that, which creates a challenge about financial commitments and who will ensure the ongoing council loan debts are being met. I have written to minister Hunter at the request of the property owners to raise the issue of whether several of the reserves that exist between a few of the properties could become a different land use and built on in the future, or amalgamated into adjoining properties at a sale transaction. Those proceeds could then go towards the work required to protect the whole length, including the crown area that runs along the front and between some of the properties.

It is a challenge not just for Point Turton but for many communities. As part of the Environment, Resources and Development Committee work that I have done, I have visited Adelaide beaches and been briefed about the storm situation, the existing sand replenishment programs and whether they are right or wrong. There are a variety of opinions on that. Storm damage, no matter where you are, is significant for coastal areas in particular and for some of the beautiful areas that I represent. It will be a challenge for them in the coming days. Fingers crossed that the weather map does not impact on people as much as it might.

The other matter I want to speak about is in relation to local government and the change of a council name. Many people would be aware of Mallala council. Last Thursday evening, the minister and I attended a function and were given the opportunity to speak, and I learned they had changed the name to Adelaide Plains Council. I fully support this move, and I actually think it should have occurred 10 years ago to try to rebuild the relationship. There is and has been some tension between the communities that make up the Mallala district council. The new CEO, Mr James Miller, is an exceptional young man, and those who have met James—

The Hon. L.A. Vlahos: A stabilising force.

Mr GRIFFITHS: Absolutely, and he has given them a sounding board in order to create a new image for themselves and project themselves as a community that wants to do good things across the area. There have been tensions within the elected member groups in the past, and I think anyone who has met with them would understand that. Mayor Tony Flaherty confirmed last Thursday that they were working collaboratively and with one focus. They recognise that no matter where the property owners reside or where they visit from, they are focused on making things better for the Adelaide Plains community.

Having dealt with them on the 25 November Pinery fires, these are resilient people who just want to get on with the job. The name change is more than just cosmetic. I believe there is a real attitudinal change within to ensure they get good outcomes from this. There was a significant gathering that occurred at Two Wells. Unfortunately, the minister (the member for Taylor) was unable to be there, but her apology was noted. I can assure you that there is a focus now on making sure that the Adelaide Plains Council is not just alphabetically listed at the top of the list but, in practical ways and in what it achieves, it is recognised as doing good things.