WATER SUPPLY

In reply to the Hon. J.A. DARLEY (10 November 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 Water has been advised that:

1. The original site selected was approximately 800 metres upstream of Clarendon Weir. The estimated capacity was 39.6 gigalitres with the tail waters reaching the dam wall of the Mount Bold Reservoir.

2. No water has been 'wasted' to the sea as there are environmental benefits to the ecological systems from water releases to the Onkaparinga River and estuary. It is estimated that in 2009-10 approximately 7.4 gigalitres was provided to the environment and approximately 18.2 gigalitres in 2010-11, as at 10 January 2011, over the Clarendon weir.