Regional Growth Fund

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (14:51): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Can the minister update the house on how the state government is supporting our regional economies in response to COVID-19?

The Hon. T.J. WHETSTONE (Chaffey—Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development) (14:51): Yes, I can, and I thank the member for Hammond for his very good question. We know that the regions of South Australia are the engine room for food production and they have and will continue to be some of the great destinations for the tourist industry here in South Australia. But we know that currently COVID-19 is wreaking havoc not only globally but regionally here in South Australia. It is putting pressure on our local economies and it is putting pressure on our health systems.

The Marshall Liberal government has seen fit to bring forward the Regional Growth Fund and we are going to open up the competitive round early. An extra $5 million will be put to our regional businesses to give them the opportunity to speed up their projects, making sure that those regional economies have a stimulus that can help them grow and also further development plans pre-COVID-19 to make sure that those economies are prospering and benefiting from the Regional Growth Fund while we go through this high level of uncertainty.

COVID-19 is not only impacting metropolitan cities but it is also spreading itself out into our regions. We know that where we have intense populations, it is wreaking havoc. Thank goodness that in the regions we are seeing people restrict their travel. Those people who live in the regions are doing everything they can to keep COVID-19 at bay.

The Regional Growth Fund is a great stimulus to give those businesses that are looking for collaboration, are looking for clustering and are looking at ways that they can stimulate the economy. As we speak, there are a number of businesses around South Australia that are benefiting from the previous round. Chalk Hill Wines had $300,000 to expand their production, catering and conference facilities, and that facility will be ready and raring to go once the restrictions on the wine industry are lifted. Bremerton Vintners had $400,000 towards the new Langhorne Creek commercial and tourism hub. The Omdurman, the Artisans of Barossa, is a great institution—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Members on my left, please!

The Hon. T.J. WHETSTONE: —where we see collaboration of wine brands and food. That artisan brand has been a destination for many who tour through the Barossa and they have received $400,000 towards marketing and distribution space.

Light Regional Council has also received funding for delivery of their new investment strategy. The district council of Mount Barker has seen fit to secure $1.25 million towards recycled water storage infrastructure. That is a great way of securing weather-independent water for food production up in that part of the Hills.

Alexandrina Council has also secured $106,000 for their historic Old Chart Room building, and this a usable, contemporary multipurpose space. The District Council of Grant received $385,000 towards the upgrade of the Mount Gambier saleyards. The Royal Flying Doctor Service has received $716,000 in a major project expansion in the member for Stuart's seat, up at Marree—I'm sure he would be very happy with that—and the health system gets a shot in the arm.

Port Augusta City Council has received over $100,000 for revitalising and enhancing the tourism experience, and the Town of Gawler has also seen nearly $700,000 towards the Greater Adelaide cycleway through the Barossa, Light and Lower North Cycle Tourism Project. These are great projects that are helping to stimulate regional economies in South Australia. Bringing forward the Regional Growth Fund is only going to help.