Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme

Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (15:05): My question is to the Minister for Environment and Water. Has the minister had any representations made by potential customers relating to the excessive cost of water for the scheme?

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Minister for Environment and Water) (15:05): There is no doubt that there has been some concern amongst some irrigators, particularly those associated with the old Virginian scheme, about the cost of water that is provided by NAIS. However, we are under fairly strict requirements under the National Water Initiative when it comes to water pricing and how that is structured.

The fact that we have signed up three gigalitres and have extensive discussions underway for other contracts suggests to me that the pricing of this water is competitive. I am as confident as I can be, notwithstanding economic conditions and changes into the future, that that trajectory towards the full subscription of NAIS water will continue over the coming couple of years.