Private Members' Statements

Private Members' Statements

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (15:35): I rise today to acknowledge what has been done in local communities and communities being self-supporting with the frost and drought impact, and also the support coming externally. I want to acknowledge the barbecue that was held at Daniel and Emily Morgan's place at Peake recently where around 200 family members and farmers were there to talk to each other and have conversations that everyone is in it together as far as getting through these drought and frost-affected crops. It was a great night. It was pleasing to see Mayor Paul Simmons from the Coorong District Council there and everyone supporting each other.

We also have the Aussie Hay Runners coming over from Ararat on Saturday. They are going to meet up at the Ampol service station. The Lions Club of Tailem Bend will be cooking the lunch and Murray Bridge Meats will be supplying the meat for the barbecue. Due to extreme requests for assistance, the Hay Runners have advised that they now have 33 trucks to carry 1,056 bales of hay valued at $100,320. Some of these trucks have already arrived. Three of the trucks have already delivered loads to the most urgent need for feed, and they are having a very big discussion about having another run for a lengthy waiting list of recipients. I just want to commend not only the people helping themselves but those external people, like the Aussie Hay Runners, who are helping communities in the Mallee.

Mrs PEARCE (King) (15:37): I am really pleased to share with the house that we are building better, safer roads in my local electorate of King. I am really excited that this month we have commenced an upgrade to the intersection of Aeolian Drive, Atlantis Drive and The Grove Way in Golden Grove. It is something that I made a commitment to doing knowing how unsafe this intersection has been over many, many years.

For those who do not know it, there are no green turning lights on Atlantis and Aeolian drives, and it can be really tricky to be able to turn right onto The Grove Way, particularly in peak traffic when the lights are hitting the road at particular times of the day and also at the end of netball when we know it is very busy on a Monday night, Friday night, Saturday and even on training nights when there is a lot more traffic occurring in those areas.

It is something that people have been asking for for quite some time. That is why I made a commitment to upgrade that space, and I am really happy that we are getting those works done. We have not stopped there, though. We want to improve congestion in that area and we have expanded the commitment to also have a right-hand turning lane just around the corner on The Grove Way to be able to get onto The Golden Way, which I know lots of people are going to be excited to see. We are also improving pedestrian accessibility on The Golden Way to make it even safer for residents to get to school, the rec centre and local childcare centres in the electorate as well.

Mr TELFER (Flinders) (15:38): I rise today to acknowledge 100 years of the District Council of Kimba and to recognise the extraordinary celebrations that were had over the last weekend, and especially culminating last Saturday night with the recognition dinner and commemoration dinner at the Soldiers' Memorial Hall at Kimba.

It was great to be able to join with Mayor Dean Johnson, Deputy Mayor Megan Lienert, elected members both past and present, as well as CEO Deb Larwood, to be able to recognise the efforts of 100 years of the council in Kimba. It is one of the younger councils, really, when it comes to the arrangements here in South Australia, but it is one which is nonetheless very passionate.

It was great to join with Her Excellency the Governor, the Honourable Frances Adamson, as well as the Local Government Association's CEO, Clinton Jury, to be able to commemorate that 100 years of history of the Kimba district council and to hear some of the stories shared on the night, especially from former Mayor John Schaefer, and to join with the five mayors who are still living to be able to cut the hundred-year cake. It was a real special moment, and can I once again commemorate the efforts of that council.

We reflected on some of the incredible investment that has been made in their hall, in their aerodrome, in their camping area and in their stormwater, and long may that council and that community continue to be one that comes together and plays a significant part in the role of their community.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (15:40): Last week, more than 60 people—along with a number of numerous walk-ins—were all aboard the Try Before You Ride event at the Gawler Railway Station. The initiative of Feros Care, and Keolis Downer with Adelaide Metro, aimed to familiarise community members with the public transport system to ensure a smoother and more confident travel experience for all. It was great to see staff from the public transport system take time to walk everyone through all aspects of public transport. It gave those who are unsure about catching public transport a chance to get a feel for the environment and to understand not only the processes for passengers but also how public transport operates.

Participants had the chance to explore various aspects of the railway system, including ticketing, boarding procedures and accessibility features. The hands-on experience provided valuable insights and practical knowledge, while staff were on hand to answer questions and provide guidance making future journeys more seamless. Public transport is a vital part of our community, and it is essential that everyone feels confident and are capable of using it. Last week's event was a great success in achieving that goal, and I have heard positive feedback from participants. I even learnt a few things about how trains work.

As a government, we are committed to making public transport accessible and user-friendly for all residents, and I look forward to seeing more events like this in the future as we continue to support our public transport services.

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