Tom Venning (Grey, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Over the weekend, torrential rains led to devastating flooding across regional and remote South Australia. The highest official falls over the three days included 175 millimetres in Yunta, 150 millimetres in Minnipa, 147 millimetres in Arcoona Bluff, 111 millimetres in Ceduna and 108 millimetres in Wudinna. Yunta received more rain in just two days than it did in all of last year. Braemar Station recorded over 200 millimetres, and remote communities like Oodnadatta were cut off. Meanwhile, constituents like Tony Williams from Mount Barry Station reported major road damage, with conditions too perilous for even the most experienced four-wheel drive drivers.

This is welcome rain, but it has had some devastating and heartbreaking consequences. I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Darran Hyman of Kadina. This heartbreaking loss underscores the unpredictable danger of these conditions. The message from emergency services is very clear: never ride, drive or walk through floodwaters. Please obey the road closures. To those impacted: we stand with you.

As always, for emergencies, please call triple zero or the SES on 132500, but, for non-emergency assistance or help navigating federal and state support, please reach out to my electorate office on 1300301742. We are here to help you through this.

While relief spreads across metropolitan Adelaide that the algal bloom has, in the words of the Premier, 'virtually disappeared' from city beaches, I remind this House that for the people in the Yorke Peninsula and the Eyre Peninsula the nightmare is far from over. In fact, the nightmare has just begun in the Spencer Gulf, and I've seen it firsthand. As the algal bloom tracks north-west towards Wallaroo, where I live, it leaves devastation in its wake. Locals are expressing deep sadness and feeling powerless. I've been following the tireless work of citizen scientist Lochie Cameron at Corny Point, the relentless efforts of the team at Great Southern Reef and diver Stefan Andrews, who has described the grief and frustration of seeing waters turn toxic.

While I acknowledge the state's recent grants, financial bandaids do not solve the ongoing trauma. The algae is moving, not vanishing. As the member for Grey, I am staying close to this issue and holding the line for my constituents. I call on this House: do not stick your head in the sand. Come and witness what is going on. This is not over. Just because the bloom left metropolitan beaches doesn't mean you can walk away. You must remain in the conversation. I will stand with the people of Yorke Peninsula, the people of the Eyre Peninsula and the people of the Spencer Gulf until the waters are clear again and marine life returns.

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