Parliamentary Committees

Natural Resources Committee: Riverland Fact-Finding Visit

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. N.J. Centofanti:

That the second report of the Fifty-Fifth Parliament of the committee be noted.

(Continued from 22 March 2023.)

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (22:32): I rise to speak on the second report of the Fifty-Fifth Parliament of the Natural Resources Committee on its fact-finding visit to the Riverland. The visit proved to be timely, with members able to see firsthand the rising waters in the Murray River due to floodwaters moving downstream from Victoria and New South Wales. Added to this, the Riverland was experiencing a very wet spring; in October the Riverland experienced heavy rainfall, with 95 millimetres of rain recorded in one day.

The high water flows provided both a blessing and a curse to the region. They provided vital waters to wetlands in the region, with some areas being watered for the first time in about 10 years. The committee was impressed to see the Pike Floodplain and view the inundation occurring, as well as other areas such as Bookmark Creek and even Katarapko National Park near Loxton, which the committee could not visit due to the already high water levels but was able to appreciate the impact that the water levels were having.

Of course, the high river flows also brought concern from the community and the possibility of crops, homes and towns being flooded. Although the community was concerned, all were taking steps to manage the possibilities, and there was a general feeling of calm and control. Local councils were working together and with state government agencies in monitoring flow rates and preparing for the event. The committee was fortunate enough to see the levy works being undertaken in Renmark, which was particularly vulnerable as the river bends there and the town levy near the hospital takes the full impact of high water flows ahead on.

The irony of the high waters was the possibility that some crops would be starved of water, as crops further from the river require water to be pumped for irrigation and the high water levels threatened to cut the power supply. Almond growers Drew and Caren Martin of Omega Orchards shared their experience, and showed the committee the measures they had undertaken to secure their pump house, some at great financial cost. However, they were still concerned that SA Power may cut the power supply as the water levels rose. I can report that this did not eventuate and the Martins were fortunate in this instance, but it would have been very close for a few days.

As part of the trip, the committee also visited places not related to high-water flows. They were thankful to Richie Roberts of RNR Farms for sharing his experience as a relatively new farmer in the area and allowing members to sample his delicious blueberries. This is a new crop to the region, and Mr Roberts' technique of using shade cloth to protect his crop from frost and sun has allowed this operation to establish in the Riverland. Blueberries bought in the summer months at SA supermarkets are generally sourced from RNR Farms. I encourage you to try this delicious and locally grown fruit.

In addition, the committee visited several key research facilities in the region, including the Australian Almond Centre of Excellence and the Loxton Research Centre. Both facilities are undertaking leading agricultural research work and large-scale trials to support not only the local industry but growers across Australia. These research facilities are vital to support our important agricultural sector and to help establish world-leading techniques.

Whilst at the Loxton Research Centre, the committee was briefed on the situation regarding fruit fly outbreaks in the Riverland, the issues facing the region, what PIRSA is doing in this area to manage the outbreaks and (looking to the future) how South Australia can maintain its fruit fly free status. This team is vital in our state's fight against this pest. Fruit fly has the potential to establish in South Australia and be costly to our fruit industry.

On the final day of the trip, the committee visited Calperum Station, which is nearly 243,000 hectares of open Mallee bushland in the western portion of the Riverland Ramsar wetlands. Calperum is owned and managed by the Australian Landscape Trust and is part of the greater Riverland Biosphere Reserve, an important part of maintaining the local biodiversity and providing critical habitat for threatened and endangered species.

Whilst at Calperum, the committee was honoured to have Ms Sheryl Giles and Ms Fiona Giles from the River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation. They are the native title holders of the region. We had a significant discussion with them about their work in the region, the First Nations history and the importance of and connection to country.

This was a very valuable fact-finding trip for the Natural Resources Committee, providing vital information regarding operations in the region, as well as some comfort regarding the management and preparations occurring in the region for the high-water event. I want to thank all those who were able to meet with the members of the committee and share their concerns and experiences, as well as the government agencies for showcasing the magnificence of the region.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (22:37): I would like to sincerely thank the Hon. Russell Wortley for his excellent contribution. It was an absolute delight to host members of the Natural Resources Committee in my home patch of the Riverland. As the Hon. Russell Wortley pointed out in his speech, members were given the opportunity to visit and view Pike Floodplain when water levels were high, providing some absolutely spectacular views. Members were given the opportunity to visit almond orchards, a blueberry farm, Calperum Station and, of course, the Loxton Research Centre and really appreciate the challenges but also the opportunities that the Riverland community have. With that, I commend the report of the Natural Resources Committee to the chamber.

Motion carried.