Answers to Questions

Community Wastewater Management System

396 Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (3 February 2021). In relation to the Community Wastewater Scheme (CWMS) in Tea Tree Gully:

(a) When does SA Water intend to start works on the CWMS transition?

(b) Is the $65 million announced by the state government adequate to transition all 4,700 households' residential infrastructure along with the street infrastructure that will need replacing?

(c) Has the minister or his office ever directed SA Water not to deal with or seek the minister's permission first before dealing with certain members of parliament or City of Tea Tree Gully councillors for matters relating to the CWMS upgrade?

(d) If SA Water chooses to use a pressure sewer option in this project who would own the infrastructure?

(e) If SA Water uses a pressure vacuum sewer option, is it possible that households would be charged a service fee for this option?

(f) Will SA Water be responsible for operating, maintaining and renewing the low-pressure sewer systems as required?

(g) Will the customer receive an electricity rebate for the additional electricity cost of operating the system?

(h) How much will SA Water save by implementing this hybrid solution compared to the cost of a gravity sewer system?

(i) Will customers be expected to cover the cost of any required electrical upgrade?

(j) Will SA Water be using the same service pricing principle for customers on gravity system and low-pressure sewer systems and will the customers be receiving the same minimum service level?

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Minister for Environment and Water): I have been advised:

(a) Investigations into the existing network and planning for the delivery of the program is progressing well and a new sewer main was constructed at the first pilot site in December 2020, with customer connections to follow in early 2021.

(b) SA Water is identifying priority catchments for conversion and developing associated costings. SA Water is awaiting feedback from the City of Tea Tree Gully regarding its contributions to the transition program and this impact on the funding required to complete the program.

(c) SA Water has not refused to deal with any members of parliament or City of Tea Tree Gully councillors.

Longstanding and accepted protocols, consistent with usual government practices regarding SA Water and its dealings with members of parliament, have been the basis for interactions to date.

(d) Technology options and associated ownership and maintenance arrangements are currently being investigated as part of the developing plan to transition customers. Preferred options for transitioning customers in priority catchments are yet to be identified.

(e) As per (d).

(f) As per (d).

(g) As per (d).

(h) As per (d).

(i) The Marshall Liberal government has committed that existing CWMS customers will not be required to cover the costs associated with transitioning to SA Water.

(j) Customers transitioned to SA Water will be subject to normal statewide pricing for sewer services. These services will be subject to service levels regulated by ESCOSA.