WINE-GRAPE TRANSPORT

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (14:49): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport a question about interstate wine grape transport movements.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: On 12 November 2008 I asked a question of the minister in relation to interstate wine grape transport movements between the Sunraysia region, which encompasses parts of both Victoria and New South Wales, and the Riverland. Members may recall that a road train route from Yelta to South Merbein and on to the South Australian border near Yamba along the Sturt Highway has been trialled by VicRoads during the past two vintage periods. This move followed the limitation of operations at Sunraysia wineries and the subsequent transfer of significant amounts of grapes to Riverland wineries.

I received a response from the minister on 18 June this year, some seven months after I asked the question. As part of that response, the minister indicated that a multi-state cross-border task force had been established to identify future issues and ensure full consultation with all stakeholders. My questions are:

1. What progress has been made regarding wine grape road train movements between the Sunraysia and Riverland regions since the establishment of the multi-state cross-border task force?

2. Will the minister ensure that decisions are made in the near future, given the proximity of the next vintage period?

3. Will the minister also advise on the progress relating to an application for a general freight road train route from the Victorian boarder to the outskirts of Paringa?

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) (14:51): I will refer the honourable member's questions to the Minister for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure in another place and bring back a response.