Smith Bay Port

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL (15:10): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Treasurer about the proposed Smith Bay port on Kangaroo Island.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL: The development of a new industrial sea port on Kangaroo Island has been controversial and has pitched a number of commercial interests against each other and caused a great deal of anxiety in the local community. According to the Save Smith Bay Facebook page, Kangaroo Island Plantation Timber Limited told shareholders at their AGM last week that, 'No government financial assistance has been sought' for its Smith Bay sea port.

But, according to observers, the company also informed shareholders at the meeting that, 'Key road upgrades have been identified and discussions are underway with all levels of government'. My questions of the Treasurer are:

1. Is he aware of any requests for funding having been received by the state government, or requests for road upgrades made, to enable current narrow dirt roads to carry B-double trucks to the port?

2. If the minister is not personally aware, is he able to refer the question to any minister who may have been in such discussions with Kangaroo Island Plantation Timbers?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (15:11): I have no recollection of any requests for funding through my office, but I am happy to check. I suspect that discussions that relate to roads, infrastructure and ports are more properly directed towards my colleague the Hon. Stephan Knoll, and I will seek advice from him as to whether or not he can provide any information that might be of assistance to the member.