Question Time

Riverland Flood Response

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:38): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development a question about horticulture in the Riverland.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: Modelling shows that the flows down the River Murray are expected to reach 165 gigalitres a day, with the possibility of up to 220 gigalitres a day. It has been reported to the opposition that the government has ordered sandbags from India, despite the fact that there are sandbags available from interstate. My questions to the minister are:

1. Does the minister have any concerns about potential biosecurity risks for the acquisition of international sandbags?

2. As the Minister for Primary Industries, is the minister confident that South Australia has enough, and will have enough, sandbagging resources to protect and minimise damage to pumps and other vital irrigation infrastructure that our primary producers rely on?

3. Is the minister aware that her government has sourced sandbags from India?

4. Can she give an indication to the chamber as to how long it will take for the delivery of these sandbags to the Riverland?

5. Is she confident that the current number of sandbags in the Riverland is sufficient until then to protect our primary producers?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:40): I thank the honourable member for her question. I am happy to investigate the claims that she has made and bring an answer back to the chamber.