Natural Resources Committee: South East Drainage Network Fact-Finding Visit

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (15:58): I move:

That the ninth report of the committee be noted.

Between 30 August and 1 September this year, the Natural Resources Committee conducted a fact-finding visit of the South-East drainage network in the state's South-East. This is the committee's report of that visit. On this visit with me were fellow committee members the member for Port Adelaide, the member for MacKillop, the member for Hammond and the Hon. Russell Wortley MLC. The member for Mount Gambier also joined the committee for part of the visit.

The committee was led by the Presiding Member of the South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board, Mr Brett McLaren, along with Department for Environment and Water staff dedicated to the South-East drainage operations: manager Mr Lee Morgan, senior environment officer Mr Mark de Jong, and project engineer Mr Terry Peltz.

Over two days, the drainage board explained to the committee its various functions and responsibilities and showed the committee the extensive network of drains and associated infrastructure across the state's South-East. On day one, the drainage board led the committee through the Upper South-East, from Salt Creek to Robe. The committee reviewed the new automated Morella regulator, the recently restored Tilley Swamp watercourse and some of the deteriorating bridges in the drainage network.

On day two, the committee toured drainage infrastructure from Beachport to Port MacDonnell. Members contrasted ageing infrastructure with modern innovations and viewed some of the region's most beautiful geographical locations, including Ewens Ponds Conservation Park. Throughout the tour, the committee learned about the history of the Limestone Coast and the need for an effective drainage network to mitigate flooding and facilitate agricultural development in the region.

The committee also heard about some of the challenges facing the board, including the financial and administrative difficulties associated with managing such a large network of drains and other structures needed to facilitate drainage, farming and access to the land. The committee was pleased to see the drainage board shifting its focus from drainage to water conservation, wetland restoration and climate change resilience. Consideration should be given to whether a budget increase might further facilitate the drainage board's already excellent work maintaining the drainage network, restoring the natural wetlands and futureproofing the region.

Over the three-day fact-finding visit, the committee also met with local farmers, landowners, primary producers and representatives of the Limestone Coast Landscape Board to hear about their experiences with the drainage network. Members were keen to hear from a range of different perspectives to better understand the drainage network from all angles. Whilst experiences of the drainage network differed, it was clear to the committee on this fact-finding visit that all have a common interest in working together to develop better solutions to water allocation, management and conservation in the South-East. A collaborative approach to water conservation and regenerative farming will be particularly important as the region tackles emerging issues.

The committee acknowledges all the regional staff, farmers and landholders who joined the committee on its fact-finding visit to the Limestone Coast. They were welcoming, frank in the discussions and generous with their time. Special thanks must be given to Mr Brett Mclaren, Mr Lee Morgan, Mr Mark De Jong and Mr Terry Peltz, who did an outstanding job leading the committee through the drainage network and providing a detailed snapshot over a whirlwind two-day tour. With the passion, hard work and dedication of the community, primary producers and regional staff, the committee is confident that the Limestone Coast will continue to provide high-quality produce through innovative agricultural practices while managing the many challenges facing the region into the future.

I commend the Presiding Member of the committee, the member for King, and the other members of the committee, the member for Port Adelaide, the Hon. John Darley MLC, the member for MacKillop, the member for Hammond and the Hon. Russell Wortley MLC for their contributions. All members have worked cooperatively on this report. Finally, I thank the parliamentary staff for their assistance. With that, I commend this report to the house.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. T.T. Ngo.