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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-05-02 Daily Xml
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Witton Bluff Base Trail Project

The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON (15:20): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs about the Witton Bluff Base Trail Project.

Leave granted.

The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON: In 2018, the Labor Party made a commitment to the southern community that they would complete the Witton Bluff Base Trail Project to link the beautiful townships of Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga. In 2020, it was a Liberal government that approved the funding for this project, matching Onkaparinga council's commitment.

In December of last year, I asked whether the Labor government remained committed to the 2018 campaign commitment and when, as the minister responsible for the Aboriginal Heritage Act, you would approve the Witton Bluff Base Trail Project. You advised that an application had been made under section 23 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act and that it was ongoing and a decision will be made in due course.

Can the minister please advise the chamber five months later whether the Labor government remain committed to the 2018 campaign commitment and when, as the minister responsible for the Aboriginal Heritage Act, there will be clarity around the Witton Bluff Base Trail Project?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:21): I thank the honourable member for her question and I note that the honourable member has previously asked in relation to this project and the fact that there was an application under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1998 under section 23 to damage or disturb or interfere with Aboriginal heritage in relation to this project.

Of course, all proper processes and legislative requirements need to be gone through. Since the honourable member asked the question, I have taken further advice generally on this matter. As I live in the suburb that is affected by this particular application, I have decided that there is the possibility for a perception of bias or a conflict of interest and the minister for environment and heritage has accepted the decision-making in relation to this application.

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