HOUSING POLICY

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:43): I have a supplementary question. The minister spoke about the water-sensitive design of this development and water re-use. Given that the government will not support the opposition's bill in the other chamber for third party access to the sewers, why has Delfin been given access to the sewerage in that area?

The PRESIDENT: Before the minister answers, I explain to the newest member of the Legislative Council that it is not normal to ask a supplementary question with an explanation, as the Hon. Mr Ridgway has just done.

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (14:44): Indeed, Mr President, it is not really relevant to the original question.

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway interjecting:

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: Well, the honourable member is asking about support for a bill in another house, which is entirely out of order. The Hon. Robert Brokenshire will soon understand that the opposition really does not care very much about the rules. In relation to this new development in Gawler East by Delfin Lend Lease, one has only to look at what is happening with water re-use at Mawson Lakes to see how effective that has been. Delfin Lend Lease has been actively providing housing in this state for about 30 years, going back to the West Lakes development.

One can look at the sort of water re-use that was pioneered in Mawson Lakes, which I think was the first subdivision to re-use wastewater and to have the dual-pipe system. However, what we have said here, in relation to the new development, is that there will be a water-sensitive design. It is important, because the development will be on the hills above the South Para River, that it should not add to any flooding problem with additional run-off, and that is why stormwater will be retained on that site. That is what I was referring to in my question.