REGIONAL PLANNING

The Hon. I. HUNTER (14:58): I direct my question about regional planning to the Minister for Urban Development and Planning. Will the minister provide the chamber with the details of the regional planning initiatives sponsored by this government?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (14:59): I thank the honourable member for his question. As part of the government's focus on improving the economic and lifestyle opportunities for South Australians, the government has been proactive in working at implementing a whole suite of initiatives to improve the planning framework in this state. This is evident from the strategic frameworks established by government, including the Strategic Plan, to the relevant planning strategies as well as legislative reforms in areas such as development assessment panels and other system improvements which have been lauded by locals and interstate stakeholders alike. The government is committed to continuing this reform and improvement process, and the planning review currently underway is evidence of this. Building on this effort, the government has also been proactive in working with local councils to improve the environment for regional collaboration and master planning, designed to improve regional investment, community integration and quality of lifestyle.

A master planning exercise has been completed with the City of Victor Harbor and Alexandrina councils to promote integrated planning for the coastal and adjacent hinterland area from Victor Harbor to Goolwa, including the towns of Middleton and Port Elliot, as well as Hindmarsh Island. The process began with an issues paper to initiate discussion. The meetings and workshops were conducted in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration, with both councils subsequently agreeing on the final draft of the master plan. The master plan provides the framework for the two councils to work more closely together to ensure a consistent planning approach across the South Coast region to benefit the wider community.

The South Coast Master Plan provides strategies to meet the coming demand for housing, commercial, employment and recreational land. Priority has been given to retaining the coastal park and open hills as a backdrop. Sites have also been identified for renewable energy generation. Goolwa will be the focus for major housing expansion and new industrial development, while Victor Harbor will be the regional centre for services and major commercial activity and residential expansion. The master plan was advertised on 11 October, with a consultation period to 14 December. Once finalised, the master plan will be incorporated into the planning strategy for the outer metropolitan Adelaide region and will eventually become incorporated into the respective council development plans.

The Greater Mount Gambier Master Plan was released for public consultation on 2  October. Public notices were placed in The Advertiser and The Border Watch newspapers of 2  October, with the consultation period to conclude on Friday 7 December 2007. Historically, there have been tensions between the two councils in relation to the nature, location and form of development taking place within the greater Mount Gambier area. Discussions were conducted in a spirit of cooperation and compromise, resulting in both councils agreeing to release the draft master plan for public consultation. The master plan outlines the sequence for residential development, which includes provision of residential land for the next 50 years.

Key guiding principles of the master plan include reinforcing the primacy of the city centre as the business, shopping, cultural and social hub of the city, whilst establishing a commercial and retail hierarchy throughout greater Mount Gambier to enable the diversification of industry, business and retail activities. Potential gateway entrances from the north, west and east of the city have also been identified. Current urban design guidelines and policies for the gateways are being further developed. Once finalised, it is proposed that the master plan will be incorporated into the planning strategy for regional South Australia and become a statutory document. Eventually, the guiding principles of the master plan will be incorporated into the respective council development plans. I encourage all members to read these important documents and to contribute to the finalisation of these master planning processes.