DESALINATION PLANT

The Hon. DAVID WINDERLICH (15:18): I have a supplementary question. The minister mentioned a carbon offset scheme. That is a state government carbon offset scheme. Can the minister assure the council that under the proposed Rudd government carbon pollution reduction scheme the carbon offset scheme will reduce greenhouse emissions, or will it just subsidise the reduction of greenhouse emissions by other polluters and not add to the net reduction in greenhouse emissions?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:19): I can only refer to the relevant section of the assessment report, which says:

The proponent has established a procurement strategy and is working through market sounding and procurement processes to complement the federal government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. In this regard, the EIS indicates the majority of energy will likely be purchased from off-site renewable energy sources supplying the grid, as on-site generation of the scale required for the proposed [Adelaide desalination plant] is not feasible due to site constraints. However, the proponent indicates there may be opportunities to incorporate small scale on-site renewable energy systems to potentially cover ancillary infrastructure…

Obviously, the commonwealth government's carbon pollution scheme is still under discussion and, as I understand it, the final form of the legislation is yet to be introduced into the federal parliament. Obviously, we will pay attention to that, but this state does not have the luxury to wait for the final version.

As I just indicated in answer to the Hon. Mr Brokenshire's question, we really need to get on with this plant. The greenhouse issues have been taken into consideration and, again, I invite the honourable member to read the report for further details in relation to that.