River Murray Sustainability Program

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (14:34): My question is to the Minister for Regional Development. How is the South Australian River Murray region being supported to strengthen and diversify their economy?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Frome—Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Local Government) (14:34): When the Murray-Darling Basin Plan was adopted in 2012, Premier Weatherill negotiated a one-off funding opportunity worth $265 million for our state: the South Australian River Murray Sustainability program, or SARMS, as it has become known. We know that a strong economy is a diverse one, so we must focus our attention on the whole economic ecosystem to support vibrant and productive communities in good years and drought years.

To this end, the SARMS Regional Development and Innovation Fund was established to support non-irrigation projects that boost regional development, employment, diversification and innovation in the South Australian River Murray region. The $12.5 million RDIF is a competitive grant program that is funded by the Australian government and delivered by the South Australian government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA. This fund is now fully committed, with 14 projects contracted.

Supported projects will contribute to the creation of over 1,000 jobs during construction and over 1,000 long-term operational jobs in the region and will leverage over $25 million in direct coinvestment, bringing significant economic benefits to the broader region. There are some fantastic projects being supported under this program.

The Chaffey Learning Exchange is being supported, along with other partners, to set up a world-class higher education network allowing regional students to study what they like in a supportive environment in their region. The University of Adelaide is establishing its successful e-challenge entrepreneurship program in the River Murray schools. Iconic brand Nippy's is being assisted to upgrade with new technologies, like a Brix meter, which measures fruit sugars and allows them to access the high-end Japanese market.

Todiam Freightlines is a family-owned and operated business based in Renmark. The RDIF is supporting them to expand to a new state-of-the-art premises that will greatly improve efficiency and work health and safety. This company operates on the major freight routes between Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, employing locals and bringing dollars into the Riverland from the cities. Rockford Homes' backpackers lodge in Paringa—it was nice over there—opened in June for the start of the citrus season this year. This provides a remarkable facility with great amenities to attract much-needed seasonal workers into the region.

I have had the pleasure of meeting with some of the grantees and seeing the high calibre of their operations and their passion for working in and supporting the River Murray region. I look forward to seeing the very positive long-term outcomes of this program continue and to shortly announcing the remaining projects that will help the River Murray regional economy to flourish.