Humphrey Pump

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:12): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Water and the River Murray a question relating to Humphrey pump located in the Riverland.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: The Cobdogla Irrigation and Steam Museum in the Riverland is home to the world's only working Humphrey pump. The pump provided water for the Cobdogla irrigation area for 40 years and after ceasing use became a major tourist attraction and centrepiece of the museum. The state government provides funding for the museum and pump via SA Water. Over Easter in 2012, SA Water ceased operation of the pump after a gas leak. An investigation was conducted and the Cobdogla Steam Friends Society hoped the pump would be in operation again later that year; however, the pump is still not operational and results of the investigation were never made public. Constituents have continually raised the issue with the member for Chaffey and they would like some answers from the government. My questions to the minister are:

1. Will the minister explain why the Humphrey pump at Cobdogla is still not operational after the gas leak happened two years ago in 2012?

2. What were the results of the investigation into the pump's gas leak?

3. What assurance can the minister provide to ensure the Humphrey pump will be operational again?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:14): I am enchanted by the honourable member's most important question about that historic pump which is a sight indeed; it is quite large. While I was aware there were some issues with it, I was not aware of the timeframe in terms of its repair and putting it back into practice. I will ask my agency to report to me on that and I will seek an answer to bring back.