Page 2074 - Week 07 - Thursday, 4 June 2015
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risks which together could cause “catastrophic failure” of the catchment system. It also found that four government agencies—namely, your directorate, the EPA, Icon Water and TAMS—did not have a shared risk identification process or risk management plan. Minister, why didn’t and/or don’t the agencies involved in managing the lower Cotter catchment have a shared risk identification process or risk management plan?
MR CORBELL: I thank Ms Lawder for her question. I was pleased that the Auditor-General also acknowledged that very significant efforts have been undertaken and very significant improvements have been achieved in relation to managing the health of the lower Cotter catchment, which was so horrendously affected following the 2003 firestorm.
It is the case that the Auditor-General identified the failing that Ms Lawder has referred to in her question. Why that occurred is a matter that will need to be looked at closely as the government considers its response. But we welcome the conclusions of the Auditor-General insofar as she has recognised that the health of the catchment has been—
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, Mr Hanson!
MR CORBELL: We welcome the Auditor-General’s conclusions that the health of the catchment has been—
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Hanson!
MR CORBELL: We welcome the Auditor-General’s conclusions that the health of the catchment has significantly improved since 2003 and that remediation of the damage following the firestorm of 2003 has been significant. We recognise that there is still further work to be done and we will be responding proactively to the Auditor-General’s report. Indeed, my colleague Minister Rattenbury has outlined a very significant funding commitment by the government in this week’s budget to make sure we can follow through on those issues.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Lawder.
MS LAWDER: Minister, why, according to the audit, were there examples of neglected and damaged erosion control structures?
MR CORBELL: These are matters that traverse a number of portfolio responsibilities, but it is the case that there were some instances where erosion control structures were under stress. That is exactly why the government has provided the funding it has provided in the most recent budget to respond to those issues that have been identified in the auditor’s report.
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