LAKE ALBERT

In reply to the Hon. S.G. WADE (21 March 2013).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation): I have received this advice:

1. Consideration will be given to the impacts on water quality in the Coorong from the management options examined in the Lake Albert Scoping Study.

2. A range of management options, including the Meningie Narrung Lakes Irrigators Association's five-point plan and the interconnector between the Coorong and Lake Albert, are being considered in the scoping study.

3. The merit of a permanent regulator in the Narrung Narrows is being examined as part of the scoping study.

4. Salinity levels in Lake Albert have been on a downward trend since 2010.

5. Information sessions and updates have been provided by the Department to the local community, including to the Meningie Narrung Lakes Irrigators Association in December 2012.

In March 2013 members of the scoping study Community Reference Group met with local landholders and members of the Meningie Narrung Lakes Irrigators Association on-site to discuss the Lake Albert interconnector proposal.