House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-09-19 Daily Xml

Contents

MOUNT LOFTY RANGES RESERVOIRS

Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:49): My question is to the Minister for Water and the River Murray. Why were water levels in the Mount Lofty Ranges reservoirs deliberately lowered during the year, and is it the case that reservoir levels have been kept deliberately low to justify the use of the desalination plant? SA Water figures show that the 10 reservoirs have been consistently holding approximately 20 per cent less water than at corresponding times during the previous year, despite heavier winter rains than in that previous year.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! That question was somewhat out of order because it had imputations in it but, minister, I think you should respond to it.

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:50): The answer is no and no.