Solar Eggs

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (15:11): My question is to the Minister for Regional Development. Can the minister inform the house about government assistance to solar egg farms?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Frome—Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Local Government) (15:12): Solar Eggs is one of the state's two major egg producers and well positioned to replace eggs imported from interstate, pending an upgrade to its recently purchased Barossa farm. The member for Schubert is probably very well aware of this. This is why I am pleased to advise the house that I have applied and approved a major projects grant of $400,000 from the Regional Development Fund towards the cost of the upgrade. This grant means that—

The Hon. L.W.K. Bignell: You can't beat that.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: You can't beat that—$400,000 towards this project. This grant means that Solar Eggs will be able to expand its production to a level that will allow the company to export, particularly to high-value Asian markets in the premium and luxury categories. Not only will this expansion create 12 new ongoing full-time jobs and six jobs during construction but the project will also include the development of a farm shop and cafe which will capitalise on the prime position of the site on a main entry road to the Barossa Valley. From our discussions with the member for Schubert, he has been very passionate about this.

The Hon. L.W.K. Bignell: He's a 'yolker', that one.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: He's a bit of a 'yolker', is he? I don't think so. I think the member for Schubert is not too bad. Of course, this will only add to the tourism appeal of South Australia's world-famous Barossa Valley. Furthermore, another two to three ongoing jobs will be created at Solar Eggs' North Plympton facility as a direct result of this expansion in the Barossa Valley. I am proud and pleased to be able to support great South Australian companies like Solar Eggs.

Can I just reinforce the importance of the Regional Development Fund. The Regional Development Fund has been a great success across all regional South Australia and, as I have mentioned before, with the first two rounds for $33 million we created about $933 million worth of private investment from the private sector across all regional South Australia, and it is interesting that perhaps in the member for Stuart's electorate he has received around about 20 per cent of all the grants in rounds 1 and 2.

Just on that, I had the pleasure last week of attending the Innamincka area, at the top end of South Australia, and also the Strzelecki Track to have a look at the opportunities up there. The Regional Development Fund is on round 3. There are still two or three projects to be announced, and it is fantastic to see the great opportunities for regional people out there. Businesses across all of regional South Australia are joining together and working with the government, with industry and with local councils.