OPAL FUEL

In reply to the Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (25 May 2010).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises): The Minister for the Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation has provided the following information:

The Commonwealth Department of Health provided funds for the installation of an Opal fuel outlet within the residential area of the Yalata Community to assist in reducing incidences of petrol sniffing. Yalata is part of the rollout of Opal fuel facilities; however, some delays have been experienced.

The Yalata Community initiated the funding application and selected the site for the outlet. Since the initiation of the project however, the Yalata Community decided to change the location of the fuel outlet to the former Yalata Roadhouse. This has resulted in significant difficulties regarding the resolution of legal, tenure, planning, regulatory approval, site selection and service connections issues.

South Australian department officials have been engaged in discussions with their Commonwealth counterparts to resolve these issues.