FIREFIGHTING TANKS

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:33): I seek leave to make a—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: —brief and disgraceful explanation before—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: —directing a question to the Minister for State/Local Government Relations on the subject of mandatory firefighting tanks on residential properties.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: The state planning requirements for firefighting tanks on residential properties are that they be 'non-combustible'. However, in one of the highest fire danger areas in the state, being the Adelaide Hills, the two councils in question have different standards. Mount Barker states that poly tanks up to 5,000 litres are acceptable, whereas the Adelaide Hills Council requires galvanised or concrete tanks. This is for the respective residential developments within medium bushfire zones. Will the minister investigate whether a standard is appropriate for safety and seek to communicate this to both these Hills councils?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:34): I thank the honourable member for her question. I do agree on one thing: it was a disgraceful question to ask me because that is not under my portfolio; it is a planning issue, but I think it is an important question. In the spirit of our bipartisanship, I will refer your question and ensure that you get an answer as soon as possible.