Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2008-06-03 Daily Xml

Contents

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:55): My question is to the Minister for Mineral Resources Development. Will he provide the council with details of the important work carried out by the Geological Survey and its contribution, beyond mining, to other important South Australian industries?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (15:55): I thank the honourable member for his question. Geological mapping is a key role of the Geological Survey and it is integral to gaining a better depth of understanding of South Australia's geology. The work ultimately leads to the production of a range of maps and related geoscientific publications.

Recently, I had the pleasure to officially launch the newest geological map produced by the South Australian Geological Survey. This map will also become a key tool for one of South Australia's most popular tourist destinations, Kangaroo Island. The scenic beauty and special land forms that we automatically associate with Kangaroo Island reflect its long and varied geological history. The map also includes the southern part of Yorke Peninsula, an equally delightful part of the state and well frequented by South Australian, interstate and international visitors.

I am sure that the map will appeal not only to geologists but also to both tourists and the general public. Production of the Kingscote special map sheet, as it is geologically known, has arisen from the collective efforts of a number of geologists, with the completion and final compilation undertaken by Martin Fairclough, the chief geoscientist of mapping and exploration with the state's Geological Survey. I would take this opportunity to thank Mr Fairclough for his work in this regard.

The map sheet also features a short summary of the geology, its land forms and soil, geological points of interest and mineral deposits. More comprehensive geological information of the map sheet area can be found in the Kingscote explanatory notes, which include descriptions of the modern environment, geological evolution and history, palaeontology and economic geology. That is due for release shortly.

To complement the new Kingscote map, the Geological Survey has updated the brochure A guide to Kangaroo Island and has produced a new geological excursion map. Both products feature a modified version of the Kangaroo Island geology, with information on selected excursion stops, tailored to suit members of the public and students of geology.

I would like to congratulate the Geological Survey on the production of yet another excellent geological map and brochure package, and I would encourage all members to seek out a copy of this map sheet and the accompanying brochure. Both can be found at PIRSA's customer information centre, level 7, 101 Grenfell Street.

Not only does the Geological Survey provide important information leading to the discovery of minerals in this state but it also provides information of significant interest to many students, and others, who wish to understand more about the geological history of our state.