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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-06-21 Daily Xml
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PORT AUGUSTA AND DAVENPORT ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES

In reply to the Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (28 September 2010).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling): The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation has advised:

There is a Memorandum of Understanding in place which requires the SA Water Corporation to take care and control of the operations and maintenance of water services infrastructure in Davenport.

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet's Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Division (DPC-AARD) is the program manager for works carried out at Davenport and has the responsibility of allocating operations and maintenance funds to SA Water.

An Essential Services Reporting Officer (ESRO) is to notify Essential Services when problems arise. Funding is available to the Community for employment of such a person; however, DPC-AARD has had difficulty engaging a new ESRO for Davenport Community and continues to attempt to recruit an officer. The inappropriate disposal of foreign objects (for example, clothing and rocks) is frequently the cause of blockages. To assist with this problem DPC-AARD has prioritised the purchase of a macerator.

DPC-AARD's responsibility for infrastructure services is defined, with the responsibility ending at the property boundary, as is the case for all primary infrastructure providers (i.e. water, power and wastewater).

Mr Lew Owens provided his Report on Port Augusta to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation.

Mr Owens made special mention of the high level of dedication and commitment among service delivery staff and others involved in public service in Port Augusta. Mr Owens noted the high number of dedicated programs that are currently funded and operate in Port Augusta. He also commented favourably on the standard of facilities and services available in Port Augusta as compared with other regional centres. These include services for youth, women, those experiencing family violence, drug misuse, sporting facilities, etc.

However, Mr Owens raised a number of issues which could usefully benefit from improved local responsiveness, coordination and delivery of services in Davenport and the greater Port Augusta area.

The recommendations are currently being considered, at the highest level, across all government departments. A specific place-based Initiative is being developed for Port Augusta to improve coordination and improve service delivery.

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