Question Time

Lower Darling Water Release

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:02): My question is again to the Deputy Premier. Did the government complete a risk assessment for the release of the water and what were these findings? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

Mr WHETSTONE: New South Wales Health has warned that there are potential health risks to both humans and livestock, advising not to drink or swim in the water, and for farmers to keep their livestock off the water. Exposure to the blue-green algae can cause skin, eye and throat irritation, respiratory issues, nausea, vomiting, illness and death in livestock.

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Minister for Workforce and Population Strategy) (15:03): I will inquire about whether there is a report that was produced that could be provided to the member. Let's be clear: there are health issues that have been raised in New South Wales with the significant water quality issues they have. Our expectation and understanding is that as this relatively small amount of water is released through it will be shandied and that that will be managed. I would inform people, if they are not aware, that there has been in the Lower Lakes a water quality issue for some time.

The Department for Health has issued a warning for people to not go into the water, to not drink the water, to not swim in the water. These water quality issues do occur from time to time and SA Health, of course, will stand ready as part of the chain of responsibilities should we see any concerning levels of contamination in the water as it comes through. This is a reasonably orthodox approach. It occurs from time to time, as it has occurred at the other end of the Murray, and the assessment that's being undertaken by SA Water and the management, through the addition of additional water, ought to make sure that we have a secure pathway, but I will of course, as members would expect, be paying close attention.