Hillside Mine

In reply to the Hon. M.C. PARNELL (6 August 2014). (First Session)

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change):

1. While there was no statutory requirement to refer this proposal to the Minister for Water and the River Murray, the mining lease proposal was circulated to the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and to SA Water during the statutory consultation period.

2. The mining lease granted on 16 September 2014 does not contain conditions relating to the use of water from the River Murray.

3. Any supply agreement between SA Water and Rex Minerals will be in line with SA Water's standard water supply contract.

4. The government's longstanding policy is to manage water to maximise economic, environmental and social outcomes.