Private Members' Statements

Private Members' Statements

Mr COWDREY (Colton) (15:45): In mid-February I wrote to Minister Kyam Maher on behalf of my community seeking two things: the public release of the dredging trial outcomes as soon as possible and a clear direction from the government on what their long-term plan will be. However, the response did not address either of those two points directly. Instead, I will quote the letter:

As you know, the State Government is committed to maintaining Adelaide's metropolitan coastline, now and into the future—

I am unsure if that means quarry sand for perpetuity. I will continue:

Since the conclusion of the operational phase of the dredging trial, the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) has been assessing the outcomes of the trial across a series of factors including water quality, seagrass and the condition of both placement and collection areas.

The final data analysis and assessment are currently being completed and will form the basis of advice to be provided to the State Government. As you would appreciate, these findings will need to be provided to the State Government to make an informed decision. I expect the report to be finalised in the coming months.

So, no timeline: one month, six months, 12 months—who knows? The letter continues:

DEW continues to engage with both the central and northern metropolitan beach communities to gather feedback on their respective observations and experiences during the dredging trial…

It continues:

I have asked for this feedback to be provided to me, along with the data and findings from the dredging trial, to inform the Government's decision on the future management of Adelaide's metropolitan beaches.

Bureaucratic speak, frankly, and lots of it. Three years in, the clock is ticking and the government continues to make our community wait while our beaches suffer.

S.E. ANDREWS (Gibson) (15:47): The Aussies are on, up on the Gold Coast. I am so pleased to say that Katrina Meehan, the President of the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club, came third and got a bronze in her Masters event for the Ironwoman competition. That is an incredible achievement, and she does that all the while being the president of the club. She is a fabulous mentor for all the young people in the club as well.

On the weekend I spent a fair bit of time out supporting tennis clubs in my community because, of course, grand finals were being held across the electorate. I am so happy to say that Warradale Park Tennis Club were premiers in the mixed division 1 team. I was then off to Marion Tennis Club, where I watched the div 1 and div 9 finals. They are a fabulous club who fought really hard to stay in Marion, with my assistance, after the council tried to kick them off their land.

I then spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying myself supporting the Brighton Tennis Club. They are a social club. The membership is open to all, but it is largely older people who are staying fit and healthy and enjoying each other's company while having a hit of tennis at the same time. They are an absolutely generous group of people and it has been lovely to be out and supporting them in their tennis.

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:48): The Karoonda Farm Fair is alive and well, celebrating its 40-year anniversary last Friday and Saturday. It was a great event in the Mallee. Many came down to visit my mobile office over the two days and there were plenty of highlights to talk about. The agtech was there on display, as well as the farm machinery and the fashion parade—I did not get to participate this year, but I must say it really did demonstrate some of the great products on the catwalk. The South Australian yard dog comps were there and it was great to see some of the great dog breeders as well as the livestock breeders.

With the entertainment, the Funny Farmers and Wilbur's Wildlife were a great part of the farm fair, and they always have been. Ruby Thiele was the winner of the giant pumpkin competition and, at 104.5 kilos, what a specimen it was. I must say that the cooking section was very well attended and there was really tough competition. I was only able to pull off two silver medals this year—very, very disappointed. I want to thank Robin Hood as the chair, and his committee, Jenny, Gerry, Wade and Janine. They all do a fantastic job and it is a fantastic event.

I also want to just quickly raise that the GP concern at Karoonda is nearing completion and we will see a new GP starting there in a few weeks. It is great to see. I did talk to many farmers and growers. They were concerned about the drought. It is a concern in the Mallee. It is very dry. It is as dry as I have seen it in many, many a year and I wish them well with breaking rains.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (15:50): It is a pleasure to reflect on the Mintaro Connecting Communities dinner held on 26 March at the Mintaro Institute. Representing the Hon. Clare Scriven, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Minister for Forest Industries, I had the honour of attending the Mintaro Progress Association event. A special thanks to the chair, Bek Holland, CEO Simon Millcock and the dedicated members of the association hosting me along with Mayor Allan Aughey and the local MP.

The association continues to demonstrate outstanding commitment to building community resilience. Their 11 events over the past year focusing on ageing well, health and wellbeing have attracted over 400 attendees, reflecting the association's dedication to fostering connections during challenging times. Supported by PIRSA and the Malinauskas government's Connecting Communities Events grant program, this dinner provides a welcoming space for our farming and agricultural communities.

With rural South Australians continuing to face challenges such as drought, the progress association has been instrumental in organising events like this to celebrate contributions, promote social connections and ensure vital services are accessible. The evening also launched the 2025 Clare Valley Festival of the Lamb program, a celebration of agriculture, tourism and culture. This exciting initiative will showcase local producers and foster connections that strengthen Mintaro's and the region's community ties.