Mr JULL (Minister for Administrative Services)(8.51 p.m.) —I move:

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969 , the following proposed works be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report: Extension to the main runway at Adelaide International Airport.

The Federal Airports Corporation, on behalf of the state and federal governments, proposes to construct a runway extension at Adelaide International Airport. This extension has been identified by the South Australian government as a priority infrastructure project. The development is supported by this government.

The runway extension will provide the opportunity for direct flights to target Asian destinations. Direct flights are considered necessary for facilitating tourism and the export of produce and products from South Australia and, thus, the economic growth of the state. The estimated outturn cost is $48 million. It is anticipated that the construction will start in March 1997 and be completed by November 1998. I commend the motion to the House.

Question resolved in the affirmative.