Mr Parnell gave the group advice and tips on fighting the industrialisation of the Point Lowly Peninsula.

Mr Parnell has worked on numerous environmental campaigns before, including the red dust issue in Whyalla.

He offered his assistance to the action group as an ally in the Legislative Council where he has the power to introduce bills, put motions to parliament, ask questions of ministers and apply for information under the Freedom of Information Act with the usual fees waived.

Mr Parnell is also a member of the Environment Resources and Development Committee, which will shortly be inquiring into the impacts of the proposed desalination plant at Point Lowly.

"I've had a lot of experience with these kinds of campaigns and there is no formula for a successful campaign but advice I can give you is don't put all your eggs in one basket and you need to approach (the issue) on a number of levels," he said.

Mr Parnell said campaigns such as this need backing from a range of people, including scientists, artists and film makers.

"In that area it seems you guys have hit the ground running.

"Now you need to engage the community and government.

"The government is elected to represent you, and if you're making life difficult for them you've got more of a chance."

Mr Parnell said that whilst companies often talk about social and environmental responsibility, their bottom line is making money for their shareholders so it is unlikely the group would have much of an influence over industry.

"You need to target those who do have the power - that is the State Government and the local council."

Mr Parnell also said any major industrial facility on Point Lowly would likely be declared a "Major Development", which means that an Environmental Impact Statement would be required.

The downside to this is that there is no ability to legally challenge a major development or any part of the decision-making process.

Also, the process is flawed because Environmental Impact Statements are prepared by consultants hired by the companies and their role is to explain away the impacts.

"The company is going to spend millions of dollars to try to convince the government and you that there won't be any problems."