WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

The Hon. M. PARNELL (14:48): My question is to the Minister for Regional Development about wind energy development. As Minister for Regional Development, what is the minister doing to ensure that wind energy development can occur in regional areas with the support of regional communities?

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) (14:48): I thank the honourable member for his most important question and, indeed, for highlighting the very important contribution that the Rann Labor government has made to alternative energy sources, in terms of both solar and wind. I think South Australia is one of the states leading the way in terms of its developments.

It is most important that we work with communities in developing these alternative energy sources. We know how important this is to the future of our planet in terms of CO₂ emissions and the problems that that is causing for the long-term security of our planet. It is critical that we develop alternate energy sources, and, of course, wind energy plays a very important role in that. As I said, I am very pleased that the honourable member has drawn attention to the fact that the Rann Labor government has led the way.

I think the statistics are that there was not one wind turbine, or certainly not a major wind turbine, existing prior to the Rann Labor government coming to power. Since then, a number have been built and, of course, are now making a significant contribution to our energy source. We have seen a recent case where the court has determined some issues of concern relating to wind turbines. The government will work with those decisions, in terms of future developments.

It is important to have the processes in place to ensure that scrutiny is available and, where there are public concerns, that there is a process for those to be heard in an independent way and for independent decisions to be handed down. That is what has occurred, and the Rann government will, as I said, work with all future developments with the result of those decisions in mind.