House of Assembly - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2021-03-04 Daily Xml

Contents

Water Efficiency Program

Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:16): My question is to the Premier.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Dr CLOSE: What is the likely impact on South Australia's economy and environment if the 450 gigalitres does not arrive by 2024?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:16): There are a lot of ifs in that question. The reality is we are still committed to delivering on the project.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: I make the point that the Water Efficiency Program, which was funded by the federal government as part of this project of $1.5 billion, still stays in place. It funds a range of programs, one of which of course was the on-farm work that we are referring to in the questions and answers being provided today. The commonwealth has formed the opinion that because of the very low response to this type of project, they are removing that now. We don't agree with that position, but it is important to note that the money associated with the Water Efficiency Program, $1.5 billion, stays in place, and we remain committed to the delivery of the full program.

The SPEAKER: Before I call the leader, I call to order the member for Elizabeth, I call to order the member for Wright and I call to order the Minister for Education.