FLOOD MANAGEMENT

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:14): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the new Minister for Regional Development a question about flood-affected areas in the northern regions.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: Regional communities and homesteads in South Australia's northern regions are cut off by floodwaters. The transport department's acting regional manager, Geoff Dodd, stated on 7 February that 'it could be weeks before some roads in the outback reopen after widespread flooding in the north of the state'. He added, 'Many cattle stations, including the Anna Creek station, are accessible only by helicopter, leaving workers stranded.'

On ABC radio, the President of the Local Government Association, Ms Felicity-ann Lewis, said that 'these floods have been overlooked due to the magnitude of the Queensland floods, and that's a serious concern to us as far as getting access to federal money' to rebuild northern infrastructure. My questions are:

1. As the new Minister for Regional Development, will the minister advise what plans the government has to rebuild road infrastructure for the northern regions?

2. The Advertiser reported on 5 February that Senator Penny Wong announced almost $1 billion in cuts to infrastructure for South Australia. How will the state government secure funding to rebuild regional roads affected by the northern floods?

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) (15:16): I thank the honourable member for her important question. Indeed, flooding is a very serious issue for many Australians at the moment and has consumed our attention and concerns for a number of weeks. South Australia has not escaped that, although we have been very fortunate, particularly when compared with many in Queensland and some in Victoria. Our floods have not been anywhere near as severe; nevertheless, there has been flooding in a number of areas, and our infrastructure, in particular, and a number of homes and properties have suffered damage from those floods.

Flood management does not come under the purview of regional development; in fact, a great deal of the responsibility rests with local government through the disaster funding arrangements it has. Councils are responsible for management plans at a local level, and they are required to put certain plans in place at that level. There is also a disaster fund with considerable funding available to it that communities are able to access, and they are doing so. Some of that has been announced recently.

The other area responsible for this comes under minister Conlon as Minister for Infrastructure. So in terms of damage to government roads and other infrastructure, he is the minister responsible. I am happy to pass those questions on to the relevant ministers and bring back a response.