Economic and Finance Committee

In reply to the Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (27 September 2018). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. S.K. KNOLL (Schubert—Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government, Minister for Planning): I have been advised of the following:

The report of the Economic and Finance Committee – From Paddock to the Plate: A Fair Return for Producers—was handed down in the previous Parliament, and no response was provided by the previous Government. A response to the report is currently being considered by minister Whetstone. Minister Whetstone is consulting with the Small Business Commissioner (amongst others) to inform the final response to the committee's report.

In relation to planning matters, the recommendations of the Economic and Finance Committee regarding value-adding are being considered as part of the development of the state's new planning system, and in particular the Planning and Design Code. I have sought advice from my department in relation to opportunities for value-adding in key tourist and primary production areas as recommended by the Economic and Finance Committee.

I confirm this issue will be explored through a Productive Economies Discussion Paper, to be prepared by the State Planning Commission, due to be released for consultation later this year. This discussion paper seeks to outline and harness a broader understanding of planning policy issues, and importantly how policies may shape local communities in the future.

The paper proposes to highlight areas for improvement and reform for the first generation of the code, as well as for later generations. There will be opportunity for industry groups, agencies such as PIRSA and the Tourism Commission, relevant stakeholders, local councils and the community to engage and contribute to this key discussion point throughout development of the code.

Importantly, the new code will seek to rationalise and simplify planning and zoning policies. The implementation of the code will also assist to remove some of the barriers faced by primary producers seeking to add-value on land, as well as on-sell products at the 'farm gate' or through 'artisan' type operations.