Question Time

EYRE PENINSULA

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:22): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Regional Development questions about ports on the Eyre Peninsula.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: As members would be well aware, I recently met with a number of people on the fact-finding mission I undertook on Eyre Peninsula. I met with some mining company representatives and economic and industry leaders on Eyre Peninsula, and I was told that the workforce on Eyre Peninsula will increase by half as much again as companies like Australian Resources and Centrex, as well as other miners and prospectors, develop their assets. But nothing underground will get off the ground until it is all at sea—that is, unless Eyre Peninsula has a good deepwater port of sufficient size to allow the latest generation bulk ore carriers to load to capacity. The location of the proposed port will have implications for a century or more. It is vital we get it right. My questions are:

1. When did the minister last meet with representatives of Eyre Iron Pty Ltd regarding their plans to develop their tenements on Eyre Peninsula?

2. What plans does the Minister for Regional Development have to ensure the proper development of Tumby Bay?

3. What has the minister done to ensure Tumby Bay has sufficient water supply to meet this expected growth?

4. When did the minister meet with the companies promoting a new port on Eyre Peninsula, and when will the government make a decision on where the site of that new port will be?

5. Will the Minister for Regional Development guarantee that the economic growth in regional South Australia is matched by growth in social services, infrastructure and public spending on health services, schools and other facilities?

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) (14:22): I am not surprised that something is sticking in the Hon. David Ridgway's throat. I thank the honourable member for his questions. I visit Eyre Peninsula regularly and I have met with a wide cross-section of different stakeholders there. Was it Eyre Iron that you asked about?

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway: Yes.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I do not believe I have met with Eyre Iron. However, as I said, I have met with a wide range of different stakeholders over many years. I have been involved with the regions not only since I became a member of parliament but also with ministerial portfolios. I have always had portfolios that have involved me with the regions through the environment, local government and now regional development and primary industries. I have some very longstanding relationships in that area.

In relation to ports, water, power and roads there is a wide range of infrastructure issues that are critical to Eyre Peninsula's growth and development. They are infrastructure issues that are critical for all of our regions, not just Eyre Peninsula. They are areas that we have invested considerable amounts in, and we know that they continue to provide significant challenges for us.

South Australia is blessed as a very beautiful state covering a vast area, and we are lucky in many respects that we do not suffer from overpopulation and we do not suffer from cities that are choking in pollution. However, the downside is that, with a relatively small population to the area we have to manage in terms of infrastructure, it is very challenging—incredibly challenging.

However, as I said, we continue to rise to the occasion in terms of road infrastructure and water. I understand that quite recently a report was released that updated the water situation assessment for Eyre Peninsula. There was concern that Eyre Peninsula's water supply was going to be inadequate and reach a critical point within the foreseeable future. I notice in the report that came out recently that that has changed considerably. Not only the drought conditions but also other changes that have been put in a place have meant that we have been relieved from that critical situation. That was very pleasing to see.

Eyre Peninsula is quite a remarkable region. It punches way above its weight. Not only is it very rich in a wide range of natural resources but also it has very successful primary industries and an internationally acclaimed aquaculture industry. All of those are important to us, and each and every one of them places challenges in front of us in relation to infrastructure. I am happy to refer the detail of the questions relating to infrastructure to the Minister for Infrastructure and the detailed question on water I am happy to refer to the Minister for Water and I will bring back responses.