Livestock SA was pleased to receive a copy of the SA Water Pricing Inquiry’s Third Report “A Cautious Conclusion” and wishes to applaud the findings as outlined in the report. The Inquiry is to be commended for the work undertaken and for the preparation of a thorough Report, providing in-depth analysis to demonstrate that unreasonably high water prices have been set.

The draft Buffel Grass Strategic Plan is focussed on buffel grass’s negative impact on biodiversity, aboriginal culture and how it has no single control method. The Buffel Grass Task Force has created a biased, subjective document that has neglected the nutritional advantages for livestock, and the economic benefits to pastoralists. The draft Plan emphasises the management of buffel grass to control the infestation in South Australia. However, it has limited information on the controlling method, funding potentials and community involvement events.

Regardless of the merits of this Fire and Emergency Services (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill, Livestock SA wishes to express concern at the lack of consultation before the Bill was brought to State Parliament. In future there needs to be extensive, up-front consultation. It also needs to be timely, allowing plenty of time for discussion and feedback, and to be held at a time when there can be maximum participation. Clarification is also required about which CFS officers will have the power to direct that any activity stop.