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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2008-04-03 Daily Xml
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YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:37): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources Development. Is the minister aware of the Young Achievers Award; and will he inform the chamber about any recent recipients?

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway interjecting:

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (14:37): Perhaps you should listen. If you want to make fun of it, I think that is a very stupid thing to do. Perhaps you should listen to the answer before you make those stupid comments.

I am pleased to inform my colleague the Hon. Russell Wortley and members of the opposition (who seem less concerned) that the prestigious Premier's/Channel 9 Young Achiever of the Year Award was presented on Saturday night. I am equally pleased to inform him that the South Australian Young Achiever of the Year Award was presented to Dr Kate Selway, a young geologist based at the University of Adelaide. The standard of the young people competing for the award this year was exceptionally high, and it is gratifying to see a scientist win this honour. It is important for the future of this state.

Dr Selway is a post-doctoral research associate whose research work has focused on the use of an earth imaging geophysical technique called magnetotellurics. The 26-year-old PhD is working currently on a collaborative project between the University of Adelaide, BHP Billiton and Teck Cominco to determine the geological structure around the Olympic Dam area using three dimensional images of the subsurface. Dr Selway and the team at the centre actually apply technologies in a new way that is allowing geologists to see deep, often 30 kilometres, below the earth's crust. It was Dr Selway's previous work on Olympic Dam that opened the exploration industry's eyes to new ore body possibilities.

Dr Selway hopes that this research will not only develop Australia's potential but also help us to understand the earth's complex history. The technique developed by Dr Selway allows geologists to explore using naturally occurring electric and magnetic fields in the earth to find areas that are more electrically conductive. In much the same way as a doctor uses an x-ray to determine what is below the skin, this technique will allow people to see below the earth's surface to see the mineral deposits beneath. This is especially important to South Australia, where many of the vast mineral deposits are buried well below the earth's surface, making it more difficult to identify the location and size of the resource.

Unlocking these secrets through technologies developed by Dr Selway and the team at the Centre for Mineral Exploration Under Cover at the University of Adelaide will help the mining industry better determine the prospectivity of deposits within this state. The process will also be important in developing geothermal or hot rock technology by allowing geologists to identify areas in South Australia where this form of energy can best be harnessed.

While congratulating Dr Selway on her achievements, I am also delighted to add that the research centre where she is carrying out much of this groundbreaking research is funded through the PACE program. The Plan for Accelerating Exploration has provided finance to the Centre for Mineral Exploration Under Cover through its third theme funding stream—

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway interjecting:

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: —which certainly was never in any previous government's scheme, contrary to the interjection of the Leader of the Opposition: it is an entirely new measure. As I have mentioned previously in this place, PACE has been a very successful initiative by this government. Mineral exploration in South Australia has never been so strong, but PACE has also been an important driver in the research that supports many of the technological breakthroughs driving the mineral resources sector in this state. Under the PACE program the state government will co-fund up to 50 per cent of approved drilling projects to enhance the level of mineral exploration in the state. Again, that is something that has not happened previously in this country or, indeed, in most other countries.

As well as encouraging exploration, PACE has had a very successful multiplier effect on investment dollars in South Australia, and PACE is leading the charge in attracting resource investment to our state. The recent announcements of a record investment in mineral exploration in this state (which is up from a paltry $30 million a year when the Rann Labor government took office and is now over $330 million), confirms we are doing the right thing.

PACE grants and other initiatives such as the provision of gravity geophysical surveys in under-explored areas of the state are designed to further stimulate new discoveries. Dr Selway's success in the South Australian Young Achiever Awards and the exploration supported by PACE funding are tangible examples of the Rann government's continued commitment to ensuring future minerals and energy discoveries in South Australia. But, perhaps most importantly, PACE is helping the training of world-class scientists in areas that will underpin the development of South Australia for years to come. So, I extend my hearty congratulations to Dr Selway and all of her colleagues at the Centre for Mineral Exploration Under Cover.

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