Eyre Peninsula Desalination Project

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:33): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Primary Industries regarding the Eyre Peninsula desalination project.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: Eyre Peninsula Seafoods and Yumbah Aquaculture have both written letters stating their support for the recommendations of the site selection committee and their preference for the Sleaford West site as a location for the EP desalination plant. In particular, Eyre Peninsula Seafoods has grave concerns about the high risk associated with the placement of a desalination plant at Billy Lights Point with regard to the impact on the local marine ecosystem and subsequent effects on their business and the livelihood of their employees. My questions to the minister are:

1. Has she received these letters?

2. If so, as Minister for Primary Industries, which includes fisheries, what formal representation has she made on behalf of Eyre Peninsula Seafoods and Yumbah Aquaculture to the Minister for Environment and Water, or SA Water, to advocate for the recommendations of the site selection committee?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:34): My office has advised me that there has been some correspondence that would appear to accord with that referred to by the honourable Leader of the Opposition in this place. As yet I have not seen that correspondence; however, I think what is particularly relevant—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: —is that this whole decision needed to be taken some time ago when the previous government was in place. The delays in making a decision by those opposite or their predecessors have meant that the time frame for now actually providing a solution has reduced considerably. I understand—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The honourable Leader of the Opposition and the Hon. Ms Girolamo, I want to hear the minister. Continue, please, minister.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: I understand if those opposite are a bit embarrassed by the non-action of the previous government, that they wanted to push out a decision—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: —to be after the state election. Well, they got their wish, but of course they didn't remain in government. This is a matter for the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water. I will certainly refer it to her and bring back a further response to this chamber.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Wortley, the honourable Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Ms Girolamo!