Liberal Member for Hammond and Chair of the State Liberals’ Regional Affairs Committee, Adrian Pederick, has again raised concerns in Parliament with the Weatherill Labor Government’s lack of urgency to return the Lower Lakes and Coorong back to health.

A Scoping Study managed by DEWNR to determine the best long-term solutions for managing water quality in Lake Albert, the Coorong and the Narrung Narrows is six months overdue and Mr Pederick wants the Weatherill Labor Government to make its findings public.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (15:43): I rise today to speak about the Lower Lakes and Coorong and, in particular, the scoping study into the future management of Lake Albert. This is a matter I have raised a number of times in this place and it is extremely disappointing to see the state government's lack of urgency in the completion of this important study.

Liberal Member for Hammond has welcomed news the Rockleigh CFS brigade will finally receive funding to construct a much needed community fire shed.

The $350,000 in funds was committed by Minister for Emergency Services, Tony Piccolo during his recent visit to Murray Bridge.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (11:01): I move:

That this house expresses its deep regret at the death of Mr Henry Jones and places on record its appreciation of his long and tireless commitment to the River Murray and the Murray-Darling Basin.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (17:30): Madam Deputy Speaker, I will acknowledge that I am not the lead speaker.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: You are not the lead speaker; thank you.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the valuable contribution of the many unsung heroes who volunteer their time and efforts in the Hammond community, as we celebrate National Volunteer Week.

Liberal Member for Hammond, Adrian Pederick, has called on Regional Development Minister, Geoff Brock, to seek assurances from the Weatherill Labor Government about the ongoing operation of the Murray Bridge TAFE campus.

“The Murray Bridge TAFE campus is vitally important to the Murraylands region and the Minister for Regional Development needs to ensure its ongoing viability,” said Mr Pederick.

Liberal Member for Hammond, Adrian Pederick has called on Regional Development Minister Geoff Brock to investigate concerns about health services on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The State Liberals understand that the Southern Fleurieu Cancer Support and Resource Group is facing service closures.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (11:45): Thank you, Mr Speaker. In my opening remarks, I would like to congratulate you on retaking the very significant post of Speaker. I certainly noted your reluctance on taking that position two days previously in this parliament. I would also like to acknowledge Madam Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees, the member for Florey, for her rise to that position.

Ms Bedford: Meteoric.

State Liberal Member for Hammond, Adrian Pederick has moved a Private Members Motion on the first day of Parliament calling on the Weatherill Labor Government to provide support and funding to the Murray Bridge Racing Club Gifford Hill Development.