Legislative Council Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1) 52 1 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary ARKAROOLA WILDERNESS SANCTUARY The Hon. M. PARNELL Legislative Council ARKAROOLA WILDERNESS SANCTUARY The Hon. M. PARNELL (15:22): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources Development. Now that the mining bill has passed all of its remaining stages, when will the minister announce the future of the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, and in particular exploration and mining in that area? Does the minister still stand by his earlier statements that the future of mining in that area is bleak without the support of the proprietors of the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary? The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY Legislative Council Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister Assisting the Premier in Public Sector Management ARKAROOLA WILDERNESS SANCTUARY The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister Assisting the Premier in Public Sector Management) (15:23): At present, the government is still finalising its position in relation to that. As I indicated the other day, the Mining Act and issues of licences are really just one part of it. It is the government's response to 'Seeking a Balance' which the government is still seeking. Just today I was expecting to get some further legal advice in relation to various issues, but that matter will ultimately be decided by cabinet with input from my colleague the Minister for Environment and Conservation and me. As to the latter part of the honourable member's question, obviously the attitude of the Sprigg family towards any activities that happen at Arkaroola is going to be important to what happens at that location. We do need to make a decision on it but, whereas the passage of the amendments to the Mining Act improve the position that the government is now in regarding controlling illegal mining or activities, we have a range of penalties and so on. Once that is proclaimed, it will certainly enable the government to better monitor the mining industry in this state, but the future of Arkaroola really rests more on the consideration of a number of other submissions, in particular those we have received in relation to 'Seeking a Balance'. I am working through those very earnestly with my colleague the Minister for Environment and Conservation.