MURRAY BRIDGE DEVELOPMENT PLAN AMENDMENT

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:38): Will the Minister for Urban Development and Planning provide an update on the Murray Bridge development plan amendment?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister Assisting the Premier in Public Sector Management) (14:38): I am very pleased to advise that the Murray Bridge residential and racecourse development plan amendment has been approved, providing a great opportunity for the racing industry, housing for local residents, employment opportunities, and a range of other economic benefits to Murray Bridge and the region.

The current Murray Bridge racecourse is located in a built-up area near the centre of the town. The Murray Bridge Racing Club believes an expansion of these existing facilities, particularly those required for training, is required to the future success of the club. Mr Reg Nolan, the Chairman of the Murray Bridge Racing Club, recently explained in an interview with the Stock Journal that, 'the expansion of the racing complex will create the opportunity for the club to become the most important racing complex in South Australia outside of Adelaide'. However, the current site of the racecourse, right in the middle of town, does not allow for this desired expansion.

In proposing to relocate the existing track to accommodate this expansion, the Murray Bridge Racing Club and joint-venture partners devised a master plan development on the outskirts of town. Their vision for the club also comprises residential allotments, including rural living allotments for equine management, as well as supporting retail community and training facilities, wetlands and open space.

Nearly two years ago, I initiated the Murray Bridge residential and racecourse development plan amendment process to help the club achieve this vision. Working with the Murray Bridge council and landowners, the Department of Planning and Local Government looked at ways to appropriately rezone about 853 hectares of land located on the outskirts of Murray Bridge, south of the South-Eastern Freeway. In January 2009 the draft Murray Bridge residential and racecourse development plan amendment was made available for public consultation. Five submissions were received from members of the public, along with four council submissions and 15 submissions from government agencies.

In March 2009 a public meeting attended by 16 people was held at Murray Bridge by a subcommittee of the Development Policy Advisory Committee to hear verbal submissions. Following issues raised during the consultation process, negotiations were conducted with both the Environment Protection Authority and Primary Industries and Resources SA. These land-use issues were addressed through changes to the original draft.

As a result of these negotiations and consultations, I have settled on the shape of the final rezoning, which is now being gazetted. As a consequence, the zoning of about 853 hectares south of the South-Eastern Freeway has now been changed to accommodate new residential rural living and recreational uses. This new zoning also includes provision for a race track, equine facilities, and horse trails. This government is often accused by those opposite of neglecting regional South Australia. This could not be further from the truth. Here we have a prime example of the practical support this government is providing to regional communities to boost their economies.

I would also like to acknowledge the support received for this development from the member for Hammond; however, it is disappointing that the government has not received similar support for responsible and sustainable planned development from his colleague the member for Kavel. Like many of those opposite, the Liberals' can-do resolve simply melts away at the first whiff of opposition from noisy minorities and the NIMBY brigade. This government is prepared to make the tough decisions and, where appropriate, facilitate strategic and long-term planning for the benefit of all South Australians. It does this knowing that the continued sustainable economic expansion created by this government's policies is closely aligned with the growth of our population.

I would like to acknowledge the initiative shown by the Murray Bridge Racing Club in taking steps to encourage the future economic growth of this important regional centre. Not only will this rezoning support upgraded race facilities: just as importantly, the complementary housing development will also accommodate the anticipated growth in Murray Bridge's population. As previously mentioned, about 3,500 housing allotments will be generated as a result of this development plan amendment. No doubt some of those homes will be used by persons directly involved with the racing industry.

A housing development on this scale also allows for the planned future growth of the Murray Bridge community; in particular, this development helps cater for the predicted growth of Murray Bridge, as outlined in the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide. As members will be aware, the overall population target for the Adelaide Hills region in the 30-year plan is 29,000 additional people. Of this regional target, Murray Bridge is estimated to house 13,400 additional people during the next three decades.

The existing racecourse will continue to operate until the new racecourse is available. Once the Murray Bridge Racing Club transfers its operations to the new racecourse complex, the future of this significant landholding at the centre of town will no doubt be explored by the owners. I am confident that any future plans for that strategically placed land will take into account the needs of Murray Bridge and the regional economy.