ONE AND ALL

In reply to the Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (4 February 2009).

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business): The Treasurer has provided the following information:

1. The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) issued a nationwide Request for Proposal for the refurbishment of the One and All, which closed in May 2008.

Those remaining SA businesses specialising in this area were encouraged by DTEI to either submit a proposal or form an alliance with another company to conduct the works in SA.

23 companies in total downloaded the Request for Proposal documents from the SA Tenders and Contracts website. Fifteen of these companies were from SA.

Four companies attended the mandatory site visit, one of which was from SA. However, only three proposals were received—all from interstate companies. There were no proposals or further enquiries from within this State.

All the bidding companies were visited and audited by the project team. The most cost effective proposal was chosen which resulted in the contract being let to an experienced boatyard in Sydney.

2. The refurbishment included the total replacement of the timber deck—a specialised and laborious activity, utilising the best-suited timber available—Tasmanian-sourced Celery Top Pine.

While there has been some minor splitting of timber planks, there are no resultant leaks as these timbers are overlay bonded to a full deck structural base treated with Glass Reinforced Plastic membrane ensuring the deck's watertight integrity. Unlike a completely synthetic manufactured product, any naturally grown product like timber is prone to some imperfections and, considering there is approximately 120m² of deck, the percentage of shrinkage is minimal.

Once the deck has been allowed to settle through use for a period of time, the planking will be inspected and a warranty claim will be submitted on the installer. Repairs will be easily achieved through replacement of individual planks.

It should be noted that DTEI was advised that the Tasmanian Celery Top Pine was amongst the best Australian timbers available, based on performance, quality and supply availability, while also supporting an Australian supplier.

I am advised that the wall and ceiling lining in the toilet area has had some issues with condensation being generated behind the walls and ceiling panels. The amount of condensation generated by the compressors supplying the refrigeration systems was unforeseen.

Local South Australian labour has been used to rectify the problem to minimise impact on the vessel availability. The cost of repairs has been accepted by the original contractor and will be recovered under an agreed warranty claim.

Since its refurbishment, the One and All has completed its tour of duty as a support vessel for the Sydney to Hobart race, as well as several sail training voyages, whilst she made her way back to Adelaide. These initial voyages were extremely demanding on a vessel of this type and, given that she has been virtually rebuilt, a few minor issues are not unexpected.

It should be noted that the One and All, was built in traditional style as a wooden sailing 'Tall Ship' and is used extensively by SA Youth. Ongoing maintenance, whether reactive or planned, is an accepted part of ensuring the continued safety and availability of such a unique asset.