Glenthorne Farm

1342 The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee) (11 September 2019). With regards to Glenthorne Farm:

(a) Does the government own Glenthorne Farm?

(b) When did the government take ownership of all or part of the land comprising Glenthorne Farm?

(c) How much has the government spent on works at Glenthorne Farm?

(d) If the Government does not legally own Glenthorne Farm, what legal instrument was relied upon to spend the money on Glenthorne Farm by the government?

(e) Was a grant agreement in place? When was the grant agreement signed by both parties?

(f) Will the $10 million of works already funded by the government increase the value of the Glenthorne Farm land? By how much?

(g) What is the estimated purchase price of the land?

(h) When will it be purchased?

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Minister for Environment and Water): I have been advised:

1.1, 1.2, 1.7 & 1.8:

The government is currently negotiating with the University of Adelaide to transfer ownership of the Glenthorne Farm to the South Australian government.

1.3:

The government has spent approximately $370,000 on works at Glenthorne Farm, attributable to the demolition of buildings in poor condition, contaminant and building reuse surveys and the development of a new ranger station to service the southern ranger service.

1.4 & 1.5:

In June 2018, the government and the University of Adelaide entered into a memorandum of understanding in relation to the intention of both parties to transfer ownership of the land to the government, subject to completion of negotiations. On 2 September 2018, the government subsequently entered into a licence agreement with the University in relation to the demolition of a number of derelict buildings and for the construction of a ranger station at Glenthorne Farm. These works have been undertaken in preparation for the transfer of ownership of the land.

1.6:

More than $10 million has been allocated by the state government to help create the Glenthorne National Park, which over the coming years will see the value of the land improved.