BERRI BOWLING CLUB

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (14:50): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation a question about the Berri Bowling Club.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: On 25 July this year, I asked questions of the minister regarding the five-year delay experienced by the Berri Barmera Council whilst seeking state government approval for the relocation of the Berri Bowling Club to the Glassey Park sporting hub. In his responses the minister initially indicated that the matter was before him and that he would make a decision as soon as possible. He also said:

I can advise that I think my office or department met with the bowling club people just this Monday to work on this issue. We will be working with them in the first instance and giving them the good news first, but we will bring back a speedy response.

My question is: given that the Berri Barmera Council is yet to receive this response (some two months later) will the minister indicate when he will make a decision on this matter?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:52): I thank the honourable member for his most important question and his hurry up. As I have previously said in this place, the government is working very hard with the Berri Barmera Council to find a way forward as soon as we can on this issue. My office is ensuring that both the Berri Barmera Council and the Berri Bowling Club are kept informed of the progress of our consultations. As I previously said, we have been and will continue to work with the council and the bowls club to achieve a resolution to this matter. I am advised that my office has received a letter from the Berri Bowling Club expressing their appreciation and thanks for the support they have received from my office and for the information provided to keep them in the loop regarding this matter. We will continue to keep them in the loop until we bring this to a resolution.