Regional Economic Recovery

Mr CREGAN (Kavel) (14:46): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Can the minister please update the house on economic recovery programs being delivered by the state government in my community and on Kangaroo Island?

The Hon. D.K.B. BASHAM (Finniss—Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development) (14:47): I thank the member for Kavel for his very important question. He continues to be a strong advocate for bushfire-affected areas and communities and primary producers generally. As those in the chamber are aware, the communities of Kangaroo Island and the Adelaide Hills were hit by devastating fires just over 12 months ago. The commonwealth and South Australian governments announced recently the allocation of nearly $29 million for local economic recovery projects under the national Bushfire Recovery Fund.

As part of this funding support, 12 new projects have been announced in South Australia to support local economies affected by the fires of 2019-20. One of the key projects to be delivered is on Kangaroo Island and is the eradication of sheep blowfly. The South Australian Research and Development Institute will deliver this important project.

The fires themselves resulted in a decrease in blowfly numbers by approximately 50 per cent and gave a unique opportunity to eradicate flies from the island. Fly strike due to the sheep blowfly causes significant economic loss for sheep meat and wool producers and impacts the health and welfare of the affected sheep.

Sterile insect technology is an environmentally friendly method of pest control that will provide significant economic and marketing gains for sheep meat and wool producers if it can eradicate the blowfly. The cost-benefit analysis undertaken as part of the scoping study indicates the economic benefit to Kangaroo Island sheep growers during the eradication will be approximately $3.8 million per annum, and the long-term post-eradication benefits could be as high as $11 million per year. Other projects that are also being supported through the Local Economic Recovery Fund are:

grape, cherry and olive growers can access funds to rejuvenate and replace vines and orchards;

open access telecommunication infrastructure on Kangaroo Island;

further support for the South Australian apiary industry through pollinator species revegetation information, honey varieties and value awareness, and ecotourism initiatives;

establishing a small-scale fibre mill on Kangaroo Island;

developing the former Onkaparinga woollen mills at Lobethal to create a hub to support creative industries, increasing tourism, creating jobs and providing opportunities for learning and social connection;

supporting operators who provide nature-based and agri-tourism experiences or other wellness tourism experiences or products; and

the construction of an early childhood education and care centre at Parndana to support families in the central and western part of Kangaroo Island, particularly those directly affected by the Black Summer bushfires.

The government is committed to supporting our primary industries and communities to improve preparedness, resilience and recovery from bushfires and other disasters. To date, the Marshall Liberal government has provided $26 million to around 400 farmers as part of the Emergency Bushfire Response in primary industries grants.

The Adelaide Hills has received over $12 million and Kangaroo Island has received more than $11 million. We know the recovery from these extensive bushfires will continue for years to come and we are doing everything we can to help the farmers get back on their feet.