Northern Adelaide Food Park

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL (Mawson—Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Recreation and Sport, Minister for Racing) (14:11): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL: The next stage of the Northern Adelaide Food Park is underway, with $7 million in grant funding now available for food businesses looking to expand and relocate to an innovative, smart and central food and beverage production area. Following extensive assessment and due diligence, as well as engagement with potential new occupants, the food park will be located at Edinburgh Parks, instead of the site initially selected at the nearby Parafield Airport's Cross Keys Precinct. Parafield Airport's Cross Keys Precinct was initially identified as the preferred site for detailed planning of a food park following an open market and site assessment process.

This initial phase was undertaken with an intent from both parties to review the outcomes of concept planning before any further commitment. After site feasibility work, and discussions with the food industry, it was determined the Parafield Airport site proposal did not offer the flexibility of tenure or development opportunities many local businesses were looking for. I would like to thank the management team at Parafield Airport Limited for the work they have done on this project. Both sides worked hard on the proposal, but in the end the businesses we have been talking to found the site at Edinburgh Parks more attractive.

The Edinburgh Parks site is shovel ready and sits within a dedicated growth corridor with connections to key freight and transport routes. This site is within 30.5 kilometres of the Adelaide Airport, the CBD and Port Adelaide. There is strong interest from industry in the Edinburgh Parks site, and commercial negotiations are currently underway with potential anchor tenants and developers, with a target for the food park to be operational in 2018.

The $7 million Food Park Business Attraction Fund opens today. Applications require a matched contribution at a minimum rate of dollar for dollar, with maximum funding of up to $1.5 million per applicant. The Food Park Business Attraction Fund will provide once-off assistance to support food businesses to invest in their growth by scaling up and locating to the food park at Edinburgh Parks. Further details can be found on the PIRSA website.

The food park is one of several initiatives under the Northern Adelaide Economic Plan to support economic growth and jobs in the area. The state government is working in collaboration with the Economic Development Board, City of Salisbury, Food SA, Renewal SA and industry to develop the food park. Gross food revenue from South Australia totalled $16.52 billion in 2015-16, with finished food values up $43 million. Total overseas finished food exports increased by $25 million, to $2.06 billion. Demand for processed food is projected to increase in coming years, particularly in Asia.

The food park will enable greater innovation and industry collaboration to assist South Australia's food businesses to access international markets. By co-locating and sharing knowledge and services, food businesses will be able to improve their cost competitiveness and generate growth in this vital industry.