SAVE THE RIVER MURRAY LEVY

In reply to the Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE (8 March 2011).

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, Minister for Gambling): The Minister for the River Murray has been advised:

1. The Save the River Murray Levy was established as part of the Water Works Act 1932. The Save the River Murray Levy raises an estimated $25 million indexed per annum and enables a range of significant programs to be undertaken. The programs funded by the levy are detailed in the Save the River Murray Fund Annual Report 2009-10 which was tabled in Parliament on 9 November 2010. These programs do not represent a cost shift to pay for consultancies.

2. All activities undertaken using revenue raised by the Save the River Murray Levy are compliant with the requirements set out in the Water Works Act 1932.

3. The Save the River Murray Levywas established to enable activities to be undertaken that enhanced the long term environmental sustainability of the River Murray system. As this is a long term initiative, no triggers were defined for the abolition of the levy.

4. & 5. While South Australia is currently receiving good inflows into the River Murray system after many years of drought, this does not mean that the long term future health of the River is assured. The Save the River Murray Levy is an extremely worthwhile, long-lasting contribution to restoring and maintaining the River’s health. The money raised through the Levy is vital in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the waterway and therefore, the government does not currently have plans to abolish it.