RIVERLAND STORM DAMAGE

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:07): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and Minister for Regional Development, questions regarding storm damage in the Riverland.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: On 9 and 10 November this year, wild storms crippled the Riverland. Winds of up to 100 km/h were recorded at Loxton and rainfall gaugings ranged between 22 to 36 millilitres, which fell very quickly. Local residents suggested the storms were 'like a cyclone'. The Advertiser reported that 1,000 properties suffered blackouts amid headlines stating, 'Wild storms lash Riverland towns.'

Roofs were torn off, homes and businesses were damaged, houseboats broke free from their moorings, and crops and farming infrastructure were significantly damaged. The member for Chaffey in another place has spoken to many affected primary producers. One has lost virtually his whole livelihood, another has lost 80 per cent of this year's stone fruit crop, and there was major damage to a local piggery. However, the opposition has been advised that government assistance flowing to locals following the immediate extreme weather event has been minimal. My questions are:

1. Has the minister directed PIRSA to investigate and examine the damage caused to farming properties, particularly in the area around Waikerie, Cadell and Morgan and more broadly across the Riverland, by the severe storms of 9 and 10 November?

2. What is the minister doing to assist farmers whose properties were damaged and inform them about what assistance is available to them?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (15:09): I thank the honourable member for his important question. I am aware of the storm damage that was incurred in the region recently. A severe weather event impacted on a number of towns and areas across the Riverland. The immediate response led by the State Emergency Service and supported by the Country Fire Service was complete by the end of Friday 11 November. I am advised that there were a number of teleconferences. I think two teleconferences of stakeholders were held in the days following the event, on 10 and 11 November. Participants included South Australia Police (SAPOL), State Emergency Service, Country Fire Service, Families SA, Mid Murray Council, Loxton Waikerie council, Berri Barmera Council, SA Ambulance Service, SA Health, PIRSA and the state recovery office.

Overall the assessment that was made was that the event was relatively small. I certainly accept that some people were impacted quite severely. Nevertheless, the overall event was assessed as being small and localised. Some direct assistance from the government and emergency services has been sought. The council of Loxton Waikerie estimates damages, I understand, of about $100,000 or more, and there was significant tree damage across public and community areas.

The clean-up operation is progressing well. In fact, I congratulate those local agencies and authorities for their tremendous efforts. The number of trees that came down on roads and other amenities was significant, and they were cleared very quickly. Roads and footpaths were cleared by early Friday and efforts then moved on to other public areas. Residents have been offered pick-up and disposal of green waste. The institute building and recreational centre roofs were damaged. At the time of the storm the recreational centre roof was being replaced, and I am advised that additional repairs are now required.

In terms of the Mid Murray Council, I understand the estimates there are between $50,000 and $100,000. The major impact was significant tree damage and considerable resulting debris. The clean-up of roads, footpaths and other public areas is reported to be going very well, and that is expected to be completed by 18 November. The report from the Berri Barmera Council is that the damage there is not as significant. Three homes, however, were damaged, with one initially being uninhabitable.

I have been advised that, although a large number of homes were damaged, most of the damage was minor, with two homes considered uninhabitable overall. One of these homes is owned by Housing SA, which promptly arranged for repairs, and the other is privately owned. This family was informed about emergency assistance, but to the best of my knowledge they have not contacted us to make any further inquiries about that assistance.

Insurance assessments on damaged homes commenced quickly and I understand some repairs were underway within a day, which is commendable. I also understand that Families SA staff in Berri contacted all affected councils, inviting them to refer residents to Families SA. Contact was also made with the Chaffey electorate officer, who was provided with information to pass on to members of the community. I understand 11 people have contacted Families SA to date for support and referral services.

Generally speaking, assistance has been applied where it was identified and requested as being needed. I have been to the area, and I have spoken with people locally. I have also spoken with Leon Stasinowsky, and I have kept in contact with him and also said to him that if there is any assistance he would like from me my door was open and to just simply contact me and I would be happy to assist in any way that I could.

Just put on the record, again I really commend the efforts of those local volunteers and local agencies there, and those who came in from other areas to assist. As I said, those clean-up efforts were quite remarkable, and it was just wonderful to see members of the community getting together and assisting each other.

The PRESIDENT: Mr Dawkins has a supplementary.