Public Works Committee: Edinburgh Parks Project

Mr CREGAN (Kavel) (11:06): I move:

That the third report of the committee for the 54^th parliament, entitled 'Northern detention basin (stage 2): Edinburgh Parks project', be noted.

In 2011, construction of a northern detention basin in the Edinburgh Parks industrial estate commenced. Due to budget constraints, the scope of the original project was reduced to the point where it currently provides a level of flood protection, estimated at one in 50 years. The project is comprised of a network of stormwater management basins that extend over approximately 38.5 hectares of land. The proposed works seek to intercept storm and floodwaters over and above those that can currently be accommodated. Those waters would otherwise enter the Edinburgh Parks industrial estate and would flow from within the urban areas adjacent to the Elizabeth regional centre.

Consistent with existing arrangements, intercepted waters will be temporarily contained so they do not inundate developed and occupied lands, including the Edinburgh Defence Precinct and land earmarked for future development. When completed, the northern detention basin will have sufficient capacity to collect and temporarily store floodwaters generated from storm events, up to and including a one in 100 year event in respect of the upstream catchment.

The management of this storm and floodwater is an intrinsic element in the future of development of the northern portion of the Edinburgh Parks industrial estate. The works will contribute to the broader aim of creating a large-scale, high-quality, well-planned industrial estate that reinforces Adelaide's north as being a strategic location for industry. Together with the already completed works, the total construction cost of the northern detention basin project is estimated to be $5.727 million. The proposed stage 2 works are expected to be completed before the end of the 2019-20 financial year.

The Public Works Committee has examined written and oral evidence in relation to this project, and the committee has been assured by Renewal SA officials that acquittals have been received from the Department of Treasury and Finance, the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and the Crown Solicitor that the works and procedures are lawful and necessary.

The committee is satisfied that the proposal has been subject to the appropriate agency consultation and meets the criteria for examination of projects as described in the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991. Based on the evidence considered 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.

Motion carried.