Mannum Road

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (15:13): My question is to the Minister for Regional Roads. Will the minister fix Mannum Road? With your leave, and that of the house, sir, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr PEDERICK: In response to a question I asked in parliament, I received a letter from the minister dated 5 September, which states: 'At this point in time, there is no requirement for further works along Mannum Road.' On 20 October, a motorcyclist was involved in a serious accident along Mannum Road after the front wheel of his bike struck a pothole.

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, member for West Torrens!

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order, member for Hammond! The Premier is called to order.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Stuart—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Roads, Minister for Veterans Affairs) (15:14): Thank you to the member for his question. Obviously, he doesn't listen to the radio. I had an interview on the radio after the member for Hammond brought this to my attention.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Hammond is called to order.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: First-up, I have had discussions with the CE of the department. As the member would understand, last week work was being carried out on Mannum Road, on that intersection. I had the opportunity to listen to the partner of the person who was on that motorbike. I felt for his safety; I felt for her concerns about the welfare of her partner. Quite frankly, it was pretty traumatic listening to what had happened there. I spoke to—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: If I may, Mr Speaker, I had the radio interview. As I say, it was very traumatic listening to her and also for this gentleman on the motorbike hitting that pothole. We have spoken to the department. The department were out there last week, straightaway. They were onto the repairs of Mannum Road. They have been out there again this week, including yesterday. Because of the torrential rain, the issue is that they have to make the decision whether they continue to repair the road and do patches. I have seen photographs of the patches they have already done. As the member understands, if we do any major repairs on anything on the roads where there is moisture underneath, it is not done correctly.

My concern was for the person in particular. As I said, it was very traumatic listening to her talking to ABC down in that area. It was very disturbing, quite frankly. If, for argument's sake, people had reported that issue straightaway to the roads infrastructure people, which is open 24 hours a day—and on that radio interview I indicated that if people see something, rather than making a political gain out of the whole thing, please do ring the 1800 number. I will repeat it again; sorry, it's 1800 018 313—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: —or email dit.engagement@sa.gov.au. We can then get them to it and get this fixed up. I have the greatest respect for that person, and I'm glad that that person did not get any more hurt. I encourage people to report any issue straightaway.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!