WATER FOR FOOD PROGRAM — SOUTHERN FORESTS
IRRIGATION SCHEME
254. Hon DIANE EVERS to the Minister for Regional Development:
I refer to the answer given by the Minister for Regional
Development to question without notice 178 asked by Hon Colin Tincknell on 28
March 2018 about the proposed southern forests irrigation scheme. The minister
advised that the underlying premise of the SFIS was to ensure that the limited
water available could be delivered to where there is greatest need. Given that
other jurisdictions in Australia are conducting feasibility studies and trials
using blockchain technology for peer-to-peer water trading to increase
fairness, transparency and efficiency in water trade, I ask —
(1) Was the
possibility of using blockchain technology for peer-to-peer water trading in
the SFIS considered?
(2) If yes to
(1), what are the reasons that it was not incorporated as part of the
governance system of the SFIS?
(3) If no to (1), why not?
(4) Will the
state government consider looking into the feasibility of using blockchain in
peer-to-peer water trading schemes in future?
Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN
replied:
I thank the member for some notice of the question.
(1) I
understand that the Southern Forests Irrigation Co-operative Ltd has considered
various ways to allow trading of water both on a temporary and ongoing basis
within the scheme limitations, but I am not aware of any plans to use
blockchain technology at this time.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) Blockchain
and other trading platform technologies may be adopted by the co-operative in
the future should the volumes and complexity of the water trade require it. I have
asked the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to work
with the co-operative to consider this possibility.
(4) Given the
relatively low number of water trades, there may be limited benefit in using
blockchain. However, where applicable, it will be considered. I note that this
matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Minister for Water.