[Debate resumed.]

Mr MARKHAM (Wollongong - Parliamentary Secretary) [10.11 p.m.]: In speaking to this important bill I refer to page 25, schedule 1.21, Lake Illawarra Authority Act 1987 No. 285. The authority currently comprises seven members. The amendment will increase membership to 10, providing opportunity for input of sustainable State policy issues through membership of State Fisheries and the Department of Land and Water Conservation. In addition, the formalisation by the amendment of the important role of the Illawarra Catchment Management Committee through recognition of the chairman of the Illawarra catchment management as an active member of the authority will ensure the greater integration of the improvements to the lake with catchment activities.

It is most important to understand that this bill will strengthen a great authority, which the Unsworth Government introduced prior to 1988. Laurie Kelly, who was appointed as the first chair of that authority, did an incredible job to make sure that Lake Illawarra achieved greater prominence within the region. Even the Coalition, when it was in government, was prepared to support the authority. Opposition members, especially the honourable member for Southern Highlands, should not interrupt or interject. I have no doubt that the Illawarra Mercury would be interested to know that she is criticising this amendment, which proposes greater opportunity for the community to interact and be involved in the decisions on the future of Lake Illawarra.

The recent opening of the $1 million cadet defence facility on the shores of Lake Illawarra demonstrated the benefits resulting from improved environmental conditions of the lake since the authority commenced its work in 1989, under the chairmanship of Laurie Kelly. At Griffins Bay the authority has substantially improved water circulation and foreshore access to the community, whilst addressing excessive siltation from past development activities in the catchment. The local authority was first established because of the urban run-off and rubbish that caused degradation of the lake.

The authority has been particularly active in improving public access to the lake foreshore. At Windang the authority virtually turned an environmental sow's ear into a silk purse. A lakeside wasteland was transformed into a tourist attraction. The improvements provided work for about 30 unemployed youths between the ages of 18
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and 24. The authority should be congratulated on its strategic approach to environmental improvements and providing skills training to the benefit of the Illawarra. This amendment provides the greater involvement of community representatives within the lake authority. I commend the Government for this great initiative.

Mr THOMPSON (Rockdale) [10.16 p.m.]: I move:

That this debate be now adjourned.

The House divided.

Ms Allan Mr McBride
Mr Amery Mr Markham
Mr Aquilina Mr Martin
Mr Ashton Ms Meagher
Mr Bartlett Ms Megarrity
Mrs Beamer Mr Mills
Mr Black Mr Moss
Mr Brown Mr Nagle
Ms Burton Mr Newell
Mr Campbell Ms Nori
Mr Collier Mr Orkopoulos
Mr Crittenden Mr E. T. Page
Mr Debus Mr Price
Mr Face Ms Saliba
Mr Gaudry Mr Scully
Mr Gibson Mr W. D. Smith
Mr Greene Mr Stewart
Mrs Grusovin Mr Watkins
Mr Hickey Mr Whelan
Mr Hunter Mr Woods
Mr Iemma Mr Yeadon
Mr Knight
Mr Knowles Tellers,
Mrs Lo Po' Mr Anderson
Mr Lynch Mr Thompson

Mr Barr Mr Piccoli
Mr Brogden Mr Richardson
Ms Chikarovski Mr Rozzoli
Mr Debnam Ms Seaton
Mr Glachan Mrs Skinner
Mr Hartcher Mr Slack-Smith
Mr Hazzard Mr Souris
Ms Hodgkinson Mr Stoner
Dr Kernohan Mr Tink
Mr Kerr Mr Torbay
Mr McGrane Mr J. H. Turner
Mr Maguire Mr R. W. Turner
Mr Merton Mr Webb
Ms Moore Mr Windsor
Mr Oakeshott
Mr O'Doherty Tellers,
Mr O'Farrell Mr Fraser
Mr D. L. Page Mr R. H. L. Smith

Ms Andrews Mr Armstrong
Mr Carr Mr Collins
Ms Harrison Mr George
Mr McManus Mr Humpherson

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Motion for adjournment agreed to.