Breakout Creek

In reply to Mr COWDREY (Colton) (24 June 2024). (Estimates Committee A)

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): I have been advised of the following:

The decision on timing for cutting the channel at the River Torrens outlet is made by the Torrens Lake Cyanobacteria Advisory Committee (the committee), based on cyanobacteria concentration monitoring results, short to medium-term climate model forecasts, and contractor availability. The channel was cut proactively in November 2023 as climate models were predicting a rapid onset of a hot and dry summer.

Following a committee decision to proceed with cutting the channel, Green Adelaide is responsible for organising the works in consultation with relevant stakeholders. This includes leading communications on behalf of committee member organisations (DEW, SA Water, EPA, City of Adelaide and the City of Charles Sturt) in line with the communications plan, which is reviewed annually.

In November 2023, Green Adelaide led the media program prior to the event, which included a media release and a social media campaign across Green Adelaide and coastal council social media channels. A managed flow was not required at that time, despite predicted conditions. If a managed flow was required then further communication, including direct email contact with relevant organisations, would have been scheduled as had occurred prior to flow events.

The committee has received feedback on the timing of communications and the communications plan has been updated accordingly.