WATER RATES

In reply to the Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (22 June 2010).

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 for the City of Adelaide): The Minister for Water has been advised that:

1. The highest water rates applying to sporting clubs in 2010-11 will be $2.48 per kilolitre, not $2.98 per kilolitre as was stated in the brief explanation provided before the Honourable Member's question.

Where the property concerned is used exclusively for charitable purposes, an exemption from normal water rating would apply. To qualify for such an exemption, the organisation involved would need to demonstrate that they are exempt from Income Tax as a charitable institution. The exemption would entitle the organisation to use water at a 25 per cent discount to the water use prices that apply to other non-residential properties.

The introduction of the Code of Practice for Irrigated Public Open Space (IPOS) in March 2008 has made it possible for sporting and recreation sites to maintain 'fit for purpose' turf while working towards maximum water efficiency.

IPOS won the Parks and Leisure Australia National Award for Water Conservation and Management at the National Parks and Leisure Australia Conference in 2008 and was developed in conjunction with a range of industry professionals to provide a best practice guideline for the management of turf.