FLOOD MITIGATION

The Hon. R.D. LAWSON (15:59): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for State/Local Government Relations questions about flood mitigation plans.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.D. LAWSON: Members may be aware of a proposal that the councils of Mitcham, Adelaide, Burnside, Unley and West Torrens join together in the formation of a regional subsidiary to develop jointly and implement a plan called the Brownhill and Keswick Creeks Flood Management Master Plan.

That plan was prepared by Hydro Tasmania in 2006. It is a very extensive plan, and it sets out several priority mitigation components, which include the upgrading of various facilities along the Brown Hill Creek alignment and also the establishment (at a cost estimated to be $17 million) of flood control dams in Brown Hill Creek upstream of the recreation park. The subsidiary, with the five councils as parties, is designed to implement the plan.

Reports today on ABC Radio suggest that the Mitcham council has resolved not to be part of the subsidiary and therefore, to use its words, 'Mitcham is pulling out of this deal on a regional basis'. My questions are:

1. Is the minister aware of these developments?

2. If the City of Mitcham council does not join the subsidiary, does the government have any plans to implement the flood management plan?

3. Does the government actually support the construction of flood control dams in Brown Hill Creek above the recreation reserve?

4. Does the government have any plans or intentions in relation to that proposal?

5. Will the minister intervene to ensure that the flood mitigation proposals to benefit downstream councils are appropriately implemented?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (16:02): I thank the honourable member for his question. I do not have the details of this development, and I am aware of it in only the most general and broad sense. I will be pleased to seek clarification of Mitcham council's position in relation to this project and bring back a reply.