RIVERLAND SUSTAINABLE FUTURES FUND

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:03): I have a supplementary question arising from the answer. Why did it take 13 months for the first funding from the Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund to be announced, as noted on the front page of last week's Riverland Weekly?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises) (15:04): As Minister for Regional Development, it was really only a matter of weeks into my new role that I commenced making announcements, so no-one can accuse me of not being fast off the mark, because indeed I was. I commenced announcements almost straightaway.

Indeed, these funds are very important to us. They are really a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is very rare that large amounts of money are available to an area like the Riverland. It also coincides with funding from Regional Development Australia, the federal funds of $1.4 billion-odd that will be made available to regional Australia. Clearly there is an opportunity for us to leverage where possible the sustainable futures funds with the RDA funding to get an even bigger bang for our buck.

We are making sure that the decisions that we make in respect of the way we invest in the Riverland are the best decisions possible and that we make decisions that are long lasting and that really do bring about a sustainable future for the Riverland. I believe that should take as much time as it needs to make the very best decision for the long-term future of the Riverland.