Eyre Peninsula Desalination Project

In reply to the Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) ().31 May 2023).

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries):

I continue to discuss matters with stakeholders across all my portfolios on a regular basis and will continue to do so. I note the long history of consultation on this matter, dating back to the former Liberal government decision in 2021 to select Billy Lights Point as the site for the desalination plant on Eyre Peninsula, and its subsequent decision to put the project on hold which has only served to drive up costs substantially while water security on Eyre Peninsula remains an issue.

Community consultation and opportunities for discussion have continued since the latest announcement, with recent SA Water events in Port Lincoln attended by SARDI taking place.

SARDI science shows the risk to aquaculture is low, SARDI, PIRSA and the state government as a whole will continue to work with local industries, including the aquaculture and fishing industries.

If the leader of the opposition disputes SARDI science, she should say so.