SOUTH-EAST DRAINAGE SYSTEM

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:37): By way of supplementary question, will the minister describe clearly for us who in fact he is going to levy?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:38): As the honourable member will recall, I have had visits to the South-East and visits here in Adelaide with people who will be or are impacted by the drainage system. I have raised with them, including local mayors, local farmers and local environmentalists, the need for ongoing maintenance of the system over and above what the taxpayer currently puts in, and whether they would be willing to talk about a levy that will be coming in to assist us in paying for the ongoing maintenance of those drainage systems. It is fair to say that the response has been mixed.

It is reasonable—and some members of the South-East community believe it is reasonable—that those people who actually get a direct benefit from the drainage system should contribute to the ongoing maintenance of that drainage system, on top of what the taxpayer already contributes on behalf of the whole state.