Riverland Investment

Mr HUGHES (Giles) (15:29): My question is to the Minister for Housing and Urban Development. How is the state government supporting business communities in the Riverland?

Mr Whetstone interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Chaffey has been making quite a racket down the back. I call him to order.

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Child Protection Reform) (15:29): I thank the honourable member for his question. At the community cabinet meeting at Renmark in June 2014, the government committed to delivering a $200,000 pilot program in the Riverland called Made in Riverland. The program is a joint initiative between the state government and Hub Australia. Its purpose is to support regional councils in activating their main streets.

The Made in Riverland program offers a shared work space known as the Riverland Hub and learning events for businesses in the Riverland. A case management service is also offered to entrepreneurs needing assistance with planning or liquor licensing regulations to enable a quicker pathway to opening a business. The Riverland Hub opened its doors in Renmark on 13 April. It was officially launched on 23 April, with over 40 people attending, including, I think, the member for Chaffey and the Renmark Paringa mayor and chief executive. The hub is open for small business to use as an office and meeting space and a space where budding entrepreneurs can hold meetings with customers and mentors to network.

The learning events have been designed based on feedback from the Riverland business community. They are an opportunity for business owners to learn and connect with others across the Riverland and South Australia, particularly focusing on improving customer service, developing strong marketing programs and negotiating leases for new sites. A number of events will be taking place through May and June, for those who are interested, and you can register at www.madeinriverland—

Mr Knoll interjecting:

The Hon. J.R. RAU: No, you're on a different page—never mind.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.R. RAU: One answer too many, you see. Sometimes you have one question and you have one answer too many. You can register at www.madeinriverland.eventbrite—that's where you went wrong—eventbrite.com.au.