CITY OF ADELAIDE PLANNING

Mr SIBBONS (Mitchell) (14:40): My question is to the Minister for Planning. Can the minister please update the house about the way industry has responded to the government's recent changes to deliver a more vibrant Adelaide?

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Planning, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:40): I thank the honourable member for his question. In March, the Premier, the Lord Mayor and I announced reforms to deliver a more vibrant Adelaide. The centre of Adelaide is, of course, the centre of our state and we want to be a powerhouse that drives the opportunity throughout our state. Having built these reforms by overcoming many years of disagreement between the Adelaide City Council and the government, their strong support of the changes is well known, but the response from industry has been even more positive.

A diverse range of groups, from the Planning Institute of Australia to Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia to the Maras Group, have all written to me to congratulate the government for this landmark reform to our planning system. The reforms have already led to significant new projects being announced. I can indicate to the house that investment in the order of about $500 million is set to flow as a result of the planning reforms. This investment is an overwhelming signal that industry approves of these changes and appreciates the new and exciting opportunities they will continue to provide. A clearer signal that industry is supportive of the change is their own words, and I quote:

Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia is encouraged by this historic agreement, in that we feel it will be beneficial to developers by accelerating and streamlining the development process.

The Maras Group stated:

The government's commitment to billions of dollars in public infrastructure, together with and amongst other factors, housing and retail policy, has been a primary reason for the Maras Group, together with our joint venture partners, Commercial and General and the internationally acclaimed Le Cordon Bleu Group, embarking on a proposed redevelopment of 200 North Terrace, Adelaide (formerly known as 'The Gallerie' shopping arcade).

The Planning Institute of Australia stated:

Taken as a whole, this package comprises a balanced and innovative approach to development assessment in the city which appears capable of wider application.

This support from industry is not just a vote of confidence in this government, it is a vote of confidence in the future of our capital city. Through significant investment and reform, this government is laying the foundations for Adelaide to become a more vibrant place to live, work and enjoy.